History of King-Bruwaert House

Suzanne King, a prominent Chicagoan, met Edmond Bruwaert, French Consul General to the United States, at the World’s Fair (Columbian Exposition) held in 1893 in Chicago. They were married in May, 1894. During various ambassadorships, the Bruwaerts traveled extensively throughout Europe until Edmond’s retirement when they settled in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Following the death of her husband in 1927, Mrs. Bruwaert became concerned that so many women of refinement had no place to turn for care and comfort in pleasant surroundings during their later years. In her hand written will, Suzanne King-Bruwaert left a substantial endowment for the purpose of creating a safe haven for women.

In August, 1931, the trustees appointed by Mrs. King-Bruwaert purchased a 35-acre land parcel on which King-Bruwaert House was constructed. The building was completed in 1933. The first residents moved into the 80-room house in April, 1933.

Mr. and Mrs. Burry undertook the task of decorating King-Bruwaert House. The imported crystal chandeliers in the main dining room, the butternut wood paneling in the library, the beautiful arches, wood molding, and hand-carved fireplace mantels remain in place today, still as regal and elegant as they were the day the house opened.

King-Bruwaert House has been successful throughout the years because the directors and administrators responded to the changing needs of residents. In January, 1979, the historic Godair Home merged with King-Bruwaert House. At this time, the court granted permission for King-Bruwaert House to admit women, men and couples. This merger paved the way for King-Bruwaert House to serve a broader segment of the senior community and keep pace with new trends within the healthcare and retirement industry.

In the mid-1980s, King-Bruwaert House underwent a major renovation and expansion to better accommodate residents. The third floor Activity area added much-needed space for social and leisure-time activities. The quality and variety of food services improved with the installation of a new, expanded kitchen.

With the completion of a 35-bed Healthcare Center in 1989, the Geriatric Assessment and Outpatient Clinic in 1990,The Woods of King-Bruwaert residential living community in 1994 and Suzanne’s Place in 1998, King-Bruwaert House continued its mission of providing care and services to senior adults in comfortable and elegant surroundings. Renovations continue to the historic building and every effort is made to maintain the integrity of its European influence and a commitment to quality care.