Oak Park Arms sits in Oak Park and has been around since 1978 as a retirement community, but the building itself goes all the way back to being a luxury hotel and residence, built in 1921 and opening in 1922, showing off an old 1920s style designed by architect Roy F. France, and over the years, it's been home to many things like radio stations WOPA and WGES-plus the famous Ray Kroc played live piano on the radio there, and even Eleanor Roosevelt stayed there once, and while it's seen gala weddings and a south side addition in 1949, these days the focus is senior living, with independent living, assisted living, memory care, adult daycare, short-term and respite care all under one roof, covering single-room suites through to two-bedroom apartments, all with safe, comfortable surroundings and no entrance fee but full amenities including utilities, a full-service restaurant-serving chef-prepared, nutritious meals like a savory continental breakfast, three-course lunches, and afternoon snacks-plus over 200 events and activities each month ranging from educational programs, music performances, games, arts, crafts, current events, and health seminars, with personalized care plans made by a nurse consultant with families and staff to suit each resident's needs.
The Seals & Steingard Adult Day Care program sits right inside for socializing and recreation, Oak Park Adult Day Care sits up on the fifth floor, and even children aren't left out, thanks to the intergenerational Kindness Creators daycare right inside, which means it's not unusual at Oak Park Arms to see people of all ages interacting, learning, and sharing. Residents can join in travel programs like Illinois Made, outdoor trips down Route 66, visits to scenic byways, museums, art spots, and festivals right from the community, and there are maps and visitor guides so nobody gets lost or left out of the action.
The community's proud of its team-many there for decades-who focus on being friendly and helpful, bringing a welcoming spirit rooted in the area's active retirement community, with a nod to military veterans as well, and they make sure the place stays safe and secure, especially for those with dementia, with an environment set up to prevent wandering and confusion. People who are 62 or older usually call it home, and with pet-friendly policies, plenty of independent living, assisted living, an onsite licensed home care agency, and over ten different providers of senior care helping out, Oak Park Arms has a lot of options for those needing flexibility-whether someone needs an apartment for a weekend, a few weeks, or for a longer stay.
The Academy for Seniors offers education right on site, and the fitness programs keep folks moving and healthy. There are digital touches, too, with ties to things like Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Messenger, and even programs with names like "LUXE by Illinois" and "EVs in Illinois," though those tend to be unique features more than the core services. Over the years, Oak Park Arms has become known for a community spirit that values connection, history, and activity, and people living there often mention feeling safe, connected, and cared for-whether they're participating in group events, dining in the restaurant, walking a pet, or visiting one of the historic spots nearby.
