The Merion sits in downtown Evanston inside a tall, historic building that once was the old North Shore Hotel, and you can see right away that they saved the Tudor Revival-style charm when they renovated it in 2014, adding modern touches like stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and state-of-the-art fixtures while keeping a cozy, warm feel throughout the apartments and public spaces. The community offers a mix of living options with studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments, and even some companion or penthouse units, plus some places with fireplaces or balconies. Residents can choose furnished or unfurnished homes, and every apartment has in-suite bathrooms, walk-in showers with built-in seats, washer and dryer, flat screen TVs, natural oak floors, ample closet space, and individually controlled air. Pets are welcome, so people can bring along their dogs or cats if they want, which is nice for animal lovers, and you'll always see pets around with their owners.
The Merion's got a lively social calendar with activities running every day, and staff plan lots of ways to keep minds sharp and help people stay connected, whether that's through art, games, lifelong learning classes, outings, or exercises in the modern fitness room. Residents can swim in the saltwater pool or take walks in the garden and courtyard, and there are more than ten relaxation areas, with lounges, libraries with fireplaces, a theatre, a ballroom called the Crystal Ballroom for big social events, and even a bakery, coffee shop, and ice cream shop on site. There's also a salon and spa, game room with billiards, craft room, and spaces for worship or devotional services both inside and outside, plus special interest programs like the On the Move Program and Floor Plan Fit for choosing apartments.
Meals get served restaurant-style in several different dining areas, including the fancy Crystal Ballroom and the private JEM Dining Room, with food made by chefs and menus that offer both regular and special diet choices, vegan and kosher too, and residents can order meals to their apartments if they want. All utilities are covered in a single monthly rent, except for the phone, and there's Wi-Fi throughout, plus cable included. Maintenance, snow removal, daily or weekly housekeeping, linen service, and laundry are all provided so residents can relax while the staff handles chores, and staff stay on site 24/7 for care needs.
Care at The Merion fits many needs, with independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, therapy, respite opportunities, and hospice services all available, and health services called MerionCares on site, so each person gets care that matches their situation, including help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, or getting medicines. There are programs for memory care to help prevent wandering, and visiting healthcare teams provide IV therapy, wound care, therapy, and more if needed. Management and the nursing staff keep things organized, and a care coordination team works with residents and families to handle doctors and health planning.
The Merion has a walkable location, close by shops, restaurants, nature, and culture, and the building offers free transportation services if someone needs a ride to appointments or errands. Safety is covered by emergency pull cords in apartments, and building entry is secure with doormen and gates around the property. Guest suites are open for visiting family or friends, and flexible leases allow people to move in on terms that work for them. The Merion keeps a welcoming and inclusive community, with amenities that fit both active and relaxing lifestyles, and they were the first in Illinois to earn a SAGECare credential for serving all residents.
