The Highland Home addition and renovation

The Highland Home is a little-known jewel in Highland, Illinois that was originally constructed in 1912.

At the time, it was one of the most modern facilities of its kind, complete with indoor plumbing. It was part of a cooperative in which residents lived and worked on the land and grew their own food – a self-sufficient resident model.

Today, the Highland Home is an independent retirement community that features apartment living with many included amenities including meal and laundry services, transportation, and a salon.

The Korte Company is excited to continue working with the Highland Home on its current expansion and renovation. Our relationship began with a renovation of the commercial kitchen in 1961. Then in 1967, The Korte Company constructed what is now the North Wing. In 1987 and 1991, two more additions were completed, totaling 14,000 additional square feet.

In 2015, The Highland Home approached The Korte Company to generate ideas to renovate and expand the current facility to help accommodate growth and attract new residents to the community.

The renovation of the facility includes a new entrance and lobby that provides a more welcoming experience for visitors. Using the same entry point, a 500-square-foot addition will be added to the facility. The new addition expands the existing lobby of the North Wing and offers sitting areas for the residents. Also, the new lobby has a space for a future welcome desk to greet residents and visitors.

A drive-through canopy offers protection from the elements. The work includes updating the multipurpose room with new wall finishes, lay-in ceiling and lights. The renovated space will tie into the existing dining room that The Korte Company completed in 1991.