A Fabulous Place To Be
When Marc Cella began thinking about the next chapter of his life, he did not spend months touring communities or weighing endless options. The decision came quickly and instinctively.
“The Gardens were just being built,” Marc said. “I looked into it and knew right away it’s a fabulous place to be.”
Today, the 69-year-old resident is one of the first people to have moved into The Gardens independent living apartment homes at King-Bruwaert House when the luxury residences opened in 2024.
A native of Glen Ellyn and longtime Hinsdale resident, Marc spent his career as a commercial real estate development executive. With decades of experience in property management and development, he understands what makes a well-run community. That background gave him a particularly informed perspective when evaluating his future home.
“I understand property management and am glad that at their end of the equation, they’re doing a really, really nice job,” Marc said. “I could have been a tough customer because I know the business and am challenging to satisfy, but I didn’t need to be a tough customer because they know what they’re doing, and I appreciate how they’re doing it.”
An Early Decision That Felt Right
Marc said his decision to move came at what some might consider an unusually early age for senior living. After his wife died in 2016, he found himself living alone in the family home in Hinsdale, a situation that no longer felt right.
“I didn’t like living alone,” he said.
At The Gardens, he found exactly what he was looking for, not only in the physical surroundings, but in the people and lifestyle.
“It’s been great,” Marc said. “The team and management are so nice and the residents are wonderful. Many come with the same situation I am in, single with children in the area, familiar with the community, raised our families around here. We have a lot in common.”
Marc has two grown children and four grandchildren, all of whom remain an important part of his life. He said the community atmosphere at The Gardens immediately helped him build new friendships and connections.
“I’ve met a lot of people,” he said. “There are social events, gatherings, outings.”
Staying active was also a priority. Marc regularly works out in the fitness center, something he considered essential when choosing where to live.
“That was very important to me,” he said.
A Home Designed for Living Well
Marc’s apartment itself was another major selling point. Marc’s spacious two bedroom, two and a half bath residence with a den features high ceilings, elegant finishes, abundant natural sunlight, and a coveted corner location filled with windows and a porch.
The view from my balcony is breathtaking. “You can even see the top of the Sears Tower in the distance,” he said.
Outside his apartment, Marc enjoys the beauty K-B House’s beautiful campus, which includes walking paths, fountains, and mature trees that create a peaceful setting. He also appreciates the dining program and the flexibility of having multiple venues to choose from.
“The food is great,” he said.
Looking back, Marc said he never considered even looking anywhere else once he saw The Gardens.
“This was just so beautiful and inviting,” he said.
For Marc, moving to The Gardens was not about slowing down. It was about finding a place that offered comfort, activity, connection, and confidence in the future, all within the community he has long called home.
