One of the largest partnerships between the nonprofit, retail, government and private sectors is taking place in Romeoville. Many local residents know the property as the previous Target building located at 349 S Weber, but it has a new purpose thanks to a partnership with the Village of Romeoville and Senior Services of Will County. The Ovation Center will be an upscale venue used for senior activities, events, and programs. It will also be available to the community to rent for special events and conferences.
Chief Executive Officer of Senior Services, Barry Kolanowski, explains, “Just over two years ago Senior Services decided to expand their presence by purchasing one of the empty “big box stores,” and re-purposing it to offer seniors and the community an option for activities, educational programs, conferences, which promote health and independence among seniors but at the same time become a resource for the community.”
The Village of Romeoville was very supportive of the relocation to Romeoville, even providing a grant to help with the costs for the purchase and renovation of the Target building, making the dream a reality.
“We are very proud to be a partner on this project with Senior Services,” stated Mayor John Noak. “We know this facility will be a great addition to our community and will be a fantastic resource to the seniors in this area. This project also provides an opportunity for us to work with our development partners to attract retailers to the outlots along Weber Road which was part of the purchase. These outlots are great locations for potential restaurants and other uses.”
On August 28th Senior Services of Will County completed the purchase on the Target property and are now in full speed to get the renovation process completed hopefully in early 2021.
“We are grateful beyond words to have such a strong partnership with the Village of Romeoville and their vision for assisting not only seniors but the community at large, said Laura Daley, Senior Services of Will County Board president.”
Beyond the idea of hosting all sorts of programs, activities and special events that will attract seniors, it is incorporating a lease model for companies that provide services for seniors. Some refer to this concept as a one-stop shop for seniors allowing for assistance to be offered on site. Among the leaders in this space is Silver Cross Hospital who were the first tenant that expressed an interest in being onsite to help with medical concerns. Friends Over Fifty, a home care company also quickly joined the list of service providers at the Ovation Center, with plans for more tenants like hair and nail salon, physical therapy, massage, counseling and others being sought.
Other features include an all-season walking track around the interior of the building and our Sobremesa Coffee shop which will be operated by veterans as a tribute to their service and opportunity for employment.
ABOUT SENIOR SERVICES OF WILL COUNTY
For over fifty years, Senior Services of Will County has been connecting resources, information, services and programs with those 60 and above to help them be safe, healthy and independent.
Senior Services of Will County provides case management, simple home maintenance, health screenings, transportation assistance and education about life empowering issues. They conduct programs for social interaction to lessen isolation, fitness classes to reduce the risk of falling and other programs that enhance their overall wellbeing.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For more information about the programs and services of Senior Services of Will County or to inquire about leasing space at the Ovation Center, please feel free to contact the main office at 815-723-9713 or visit their website at www.willcountyseniors.org.