Martin Gross retires from King-Bruwaert House Board of Directors

After surpassing 30 years as an officer, former president and member of the King-Bruwaert House (KBH) Board of Directors, W. B. Martin Gross of Hinsdale recently retired from his position. Gross was recognized by board members, staff, residents and friends during a small, outdoor gathering held late September at the senior living community.

Gross, a long-term partner with the Oak Brook-based law firm of Martin, Craig, Chester & Sonnenschein, LLP joined the KBH Board at a pivotal time when major changes were being made to renovate and update the historic King-Bruwaert House manor home to keep pace with industry-wide residential and healthcare needs. During his tenure, he was a leading advocate for projects that included the construction of a 35-bed skilled nursing unit plus a later expansion, formation of a memory care wing, the construction of 58 independent living cottage homes known as The Woods of King-Bruwaert, a slate roof replacement project, kitchen renovations, reforestation plans, remodeling of the front entrance, the addition of Bistro ’33, and the renovation of a two-story Assisted Living wing aptly named Carrington Hall in honor of the original owners of the KBH property.

Gross’s board oversight has included the review and approval of two major KBH projects that have been under discussion for many years. The first project involves the construction of 49 luxury and spacious apartment homes to be located just east of the existing KBH building. These homes are currently being marketed to the public for projected completion in 2022 and will be known as The Gardens of King-Bruwaert House. A separate redevelopment project of the existing 35-bed Healthcare skilled nursing unit will result in three spacious, modern 14-bed neighborhoods that will include a state-of-the art memory care area.

Gross played a key role in directing the formation of a charitable department to embrace additional financial support for KBH which continues to operate as a 501c3 non-profit organization. He also offered expertise to the Finance Committee in planning detailed annual budgets to plan for all operations, construction plans, future maintenance projects and equipment replacement.

Gross is a member of the American Bar Association, Illinois Bar Association, Chicago Bar Association and the Legal Club of Chicago. In June, 2016, he was named one of the Top Attorneys of North America within the Who’s Who directories. He served as a Special Assistant Attorney General in Illinois from 1968 to 1969 and as a Special Counsel to the Vice President of the United States from 1967 to 1969.

Highly dedicated to civic involvement, Gross served as a Trustee and President of the Village of Hinsdale. He also served as a member and President of the Hinsdale School District 181 School Board. He is a past President and Honorary Board Member of the Anti-Cruelty Society. Gross has long associations with The Community House of Hinsdale and Union Church of Hinsdale.

A graduate of Amherst College in Massachusetts, Gross earned his law degree from Harvard University. Raised in Hinsdale, Gross attended Hinsdale Central High School and in 2005, he was inducted into the high school’s Hall of Fame.

“We have been so fortunate to have benefitted from Martin’s leadership, guidance and expertise throughout our formative years,” said KBH CEO Terri Bowen. “His dedication and sincere interest in our growth and progress has been fundamental to our success. We have also appreciated Martin’s kind and caring disposition that has meant so much to our residents and their families. He has always been very dedicated to King-Bruwaert House and we are very grateful for his long commitment to our organization.”