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1611 Chicago Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201
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Anonymous
-
Loved one of resident/client
5.0
The Merion review
5 for questions 1-6. The facility is ALWAYS immaculate! They raised the rent 10% in the second year. That seems very high for a senior independent living!!! The staff is sooo helpful and caring. The outstanding staff members are: [name removed], [name removed] from sales, [name removed] and the two other ladies at the front desk, and from the restaurant, [name removed], [name removed], [name removed], [name removed], [name removed], [name removed], [name removed]and both managers, [name removed]and [name removed]!!! The food quality, taste and presentation is really outstanding. The only issue is that for certain specials, if you sit down at 6PM, they run out of the specials.
About the facility The Merion
Just minutes from downtown Chicago and mere blocks from Lake Michigan’s north shore, the Merion is a historic 1919 Evanston icon. The beautifully restored Tudor Revival-style hotel offers classy modern decor and luxurious apartments, from studio to penthouse.
The community life of Merion is an active and vibrant one, with daily fine dining prepared to order by an unmatched culinary team. The Merion contains several beautiful eating venues, including an elegant dining room, multiple lounges, and a rooftop terrace. The Merion partners with Northwestern University to offer lifelong learning opportunities. Residents can participate in writing and literary workshops, computer classes, current events discussions, multicultural programs, and more. Among the Merion’s world-class amenities are an indoor saltwater pool, a bakery and ice cream parlor, a fitness center, a hair salon, and a library complete with a fireplace. Cats and dogs are welcome.
The community offers a rich and carefree retirement, with housekeeping and maintenance services, as well as on-site aging in place care as needed. The Merion Health Services Alliance offers residents the best of specialty care, as directed by an individual customized care plan established by a professional Care Coordinator. The Merion has a private memory care sector for residents in need...
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Senior living options offered
Independent Living
Pricing for The Merion
Total monthly costs depend on room type, select services, and the level of care needed.
Base fees by care type
Independent Living
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Studio
Starting at $XXXX/mo
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1 Bedroom
Starting at $XXXX/mo
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2 Bedrooms
Starting at $XXXX/mo
*Prices quoted are monthly rental charges and are provided by the communities themselves. Actual prices may differ due to one-time fees, timing and care services required. Speak with your Senior Living Advisor to learn more.
Tours at The Merion
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Compare
The Merion
1611 Chicago Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201
Brookdale Northbrook
4501 Concord Lane, Northbrook, IL 60062
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800 South River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016
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9.2
Review score
32 reviews
9.2
Review score
32 reviews
5 star
69%
4 star
25%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
6%
10
Review score
105 reviews
10
Review score
105 reviews
5 star
75%
4 star
18%
3 star
5%
2 star
1%
1 star
1%
9.9
Review score
138 reviews
9.9
Review score
138 reviews
5 star
77%
4 star
17%
3 star
4%
2 star
1%
1 star
1%
9.6
Review score
132 reviews
9.6
Review score
132 reviews
5 star
58%
4 star
34%
3 star
5%
2 star
2%
1 star
1%
Studio
Starting at $X,XXX/moStudio
Starting at $X,XXX/moStudio
Starting at $X,XXX/moStudio
Starting at $X,XXX/mo1 bedroom
Starting at $X,XXX/mo1 bedroom
Starting at $X,XXX/mo1 bedroom
Starting at $X,XXX/mo1 bedroom
Starting at $X,XXX/mo2 bedrooms
Starting at $X,XXX/mo2 bedrooms
Starting at $X,XXX/mo2 bedrooms
Starting at $X,XXX/mo2 bedrooms
Starting at $X,XXX/moActive promotion
No
Active promotion
No
Active promotion
No
Active promotion
No
Pet friendly
Yes
Pet friendly
Yes
Pet friendly
Yes
Pet friendly
Yes
Care types offered
1
Independent Living
Care types offered
2
Assisted Living, Independent Living
Care types offered
2
Assisted Living, Independent Living
Care types offered
2
Assisted Living, Independent Living
Amenities at The Merion
Healthcare Services
- Incontinence Care
- Staffing & Ancillary Services
- Medication Management
- High Acuity Care
- Non-Ambulatory Care
- Memory Care
- Diabetic Care
Meals & Dining
- International Cuisine
- Low / No Sodium
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Organic
- Guest Meals
- Restaurant Style Dining
- Anytime Dining
- Room Service
- Meals Provided
- Professional Chef
- Gluten-free
Room Amenities
- Private patio, deck, or balcony
- Wheelchair Accessible Showers
- Wi-Fi/high-speed internet
- Handicap Accessible
- Kitchenette
- Garden View
- Respite or Short Term Stays Offered
- Full kitchen
- Air Conditioned
- Bath Tubs
- Fireplaces
- Cable or Satellite TV
Community Amenities
On-site dining options
- Bar or Pub
- Café or Bistro
- Private Dining Room
Transportation & parking
- Covered Parking
- Property Convenient to Public Transit
- Complimentary Transportation
- Resident Parking Available
Pets
- Dogs Allowed
- Pet Care Available
- Cats Allowed
Common areas
- Library
- Outdoor Common Areas
- TV Lounge
- Indoor Atrium
- Beauty Salon
- Outside Patio
- Barber Shop
- Private Bath
- Main Street Shops
- Meeting Room
- Central Fireplace
- Computer or Media Center
- Indoor Common Areas
Recreational areas
- Game Room
- Arts and Crafts Center
- Fitness Center
- Movie or Theater Room
- Piano or Organ
- Swimming Pool
- Billiards Lounge
- Ballroom
Services
- Grocery Shopping and Errands
- Housekeeping
- Laundry Service / Drycleaning
- Beautician
Languages spoken
- Spanish
- Russian
- English
- Italian
- German
Activities
- Bridge Club
- Wine Tasting
- BBQs or Picnics
- Water Aerobics
- Karaoke
- Cooking Classes
- Walking Club
- Live Well Programs
- Community Service Programs
- Christian Services
- Jewish Services
- Current Events Club
- Book Club
- Visiting Chaplain or Priest
- Live Dance or Theater Performances
- Birthday Parties
- Educational Speakers / Life Long Learning
- Forever Fit
- Yoga / Chair Yoga
- Day Trips and Outings
- Devotional Activities On-Site
- Live Musical Performances
- Visiting Rabbi
- Activities On-site
- Holiday Parties
- Catholic Services
- Activities Off-site
- Brain fitness / Dakim
- Gardening Club
- Trivia Games
- Wii Bowling
- Other Religious Services
- Art Classes
- Tai Chi
- Men's Club
- Devotional Activities Offsite
- Stretching Classes
- Intergenerational Programs
- Choir / Singing Club
- Community Service Organizations
- Happy Hour
Reviews
for The Merion
Write a review
A Place for Mom has scored The Merion with 9.2 out of 10 using our proprietary review score based on 4 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time, The Merion has 32 reviews with an average "overall experience" of 4.5 out of 5.
Overall Rating
4.5
Cleanliness
4.6
Friendliness
4.5
Care Services
4.4
Staff
4.8
Meals & Dining
4.6
Activities
4.5
Value for Cost
4.4
A Place for Mom has scored The Merion with 9.2 out of 10 using our proprietary review score based on 4 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time, The Merion has 32 reviews with an average "overall experience" of 4.5 out of 5.
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Verified Review
A Place For Mom has verified the person writing the review and their connection to the community.
1-20 of 32 reviews
Anonymous - Resident/client
Independent Living
October 17, 2024
Review for The Merion
Come and join us. We picked this community because of the level of activities, friendliness, location in downtown Evanston.
Anonymous - Family/friend
Independent Living
July 29, 2024
The Merion review
5 for questions 1-6. The facility is ALWAYS immaculate! They raised the rent 10% in the second year. That seems very high for a senior independent living!!! The staff is sooo helpful and caring. The outstanding staff members are: [name removed], [name removed] from sales, [name removed] and the two other ladies at the front desk, and from the restaurant, [name removed], [name removed], [name removed], [name removed], [name removed], [name removed], [name removed]and both managers, [name removed]and [name removed]!!! The food quality, taste and presentation is really outstanding. The only issue is that for certain specials, if you sit down at 6PM, they run out of the specials.
Anonymous - Family/friend
Independent Living
April 4, 2024
Review for The Merion
The Merion was great [name removed]moved out unfortunately . Theresa service they had outsourced to administer medication was not properly giving him his medication and he was stressed out and seizing. He hasn't had a seizure since he moved . The facility was amazing however;I would recommend the Merion but not the outside nursing service.
Lisa - Family/friend
Independent Living
October 27, 2023
A wonderful place for senior living, plenty of amenities , caring staff in a great east Evanston location!
I would rate the Merion on all of the above classifications as a 5! The only thing I think is a bit expensive is the cost of food and alcoholic drinks. Overall, the staff is genuinely caring and helpful. The cleanliness is fabulous. I've visited other senior facilities, even more expensive ones, and there was an underlying smell of urine. I would HIGHLY recommend the Merion!!! There is a nice age diversity and a smaller diverse population. I'd like to see more ethnic, & color diversity, but my uncle is very happy in this community! [name removed] and [name removed] was wonderful with his assistance!!! Walk to the grocery store, restaurants and tons of shopping options too
LAURA HAMM - Family/friend
Independent Living
December 31, 2022
activity programs
The experience I have had at the Merion has been fantastic. I enjoy the adversity of the residents here. The programs are very good and listed on an activities board near the dining room.
The engineers and those who fix things around the building are great. When you ask them to do something it gets done. The kitchen staff and servers are very nice people, and they have good food.
One of the greatest group of people that are really good is the executive staff; [name removed], [name removed], [name removed]and so many others. They have a wellness program and many other medical services that they either provide for the residents or contract out for.
Chris C - Family/friend
Independent Living
December 30, 2022
Parents at The Merion
I helped my parents move to The Merion 6 months ago. I (and they) have been very impressed by the quality of the living experience there. The staff are friendly and kind, the facility sparkles, the food options are outstanding, and there are programming opportunities daily for any who want to partake. The location in downtown Evanston offers lots of walking opportunities as well (weather permitting...) All in all, a wonderful find.
David Jacobs - Resident/client
Independent Living
December 27, 2022
Good for everything
Good employees! Good food . Good musicians every week. Good movies. Good for everything!
The Staff is organized to carefully help people who live here and the staff is excellent in this area! So There!
Nani B - Resident/client
Independent Living
December 22, 2022
There IS a place like home!
I am a people lover, and I am glad I am living here, because at some other places I looked into people are high-brow, high-nose, arrogant, letting you know they are wealthier and for that reason better than you, and/or they simply are loners mired in their bitter thoughts. Nothing like that here - friendly residents, sweet young kitchen waitresses, smiley cleaning ladies, friendly management. Bottom line: If there is a better place, why am I here?
Monica - Family/friend
Independent Living
February 25, 2022
Great Place For Seniors
It's a place where you really don't have to worry about your loved one. Peace of mind is priceless.
anonymous - Toured community
Independent Living
February 18, 2022
Tour of The Merion
We had a very nice tour experience with The Merion, but we were looking for some place that offered a little more independence. We also could not get a good feel for the average age of residents who lived here.
AS - Toured community
Independent Living
August 17, 2021
My review of The Merion
Our family was able to have an in person tour and the tour experience was great, even though they still had some small covid restrictions. However, we did not see a lot of people out and about. The apartment windows were smaller so it kind of looked like your living in a cave. The kitchens were much smaller, and with smaller appliances and not to much counter space. It was also much more expensive.
Brooks C - Family/friend
Independent Living
March 30, 2021
Incredible facility, incredible management team.
A "must-see" for anyone seeking a new residence for a loved one (or themselves!). The facilities are immaculate and well maintained. The food is incredible, and the F&B staff friendly and always accommodating. In fact, the entire staff is exceptional. They've managed the COVID era expertly, adapting food service and housekeeping to the times, organizing vaccinations for all residents and staff (100% of whom have received shots). Activities are varied and frequent. Apartments are spacious, up-to-date, and well-designed. Healthcare on-site allows for reliable "aging in place". My father is extremely happy here.
Response from The Merion
June 18, 2021
Thank you for such a strong endorsement, Brooks, and your kind words about many of our services and staff. As we’re hopeful for a return to a more normal summer and fall, the health and well-being of those who live and work here continues to be a top priority. It’s a privilege to have your father with us, and we hope you both continue to be satisfied and reassured about life at The Merion. We wish you all the best, and look forward to seeing you again soon.
William J - Family/friend
Independent Living
January 18, 2021
Terrible Managment
The building staff is nice. But don't be fooled by that. The company that own the property is terrible, bad at resolving issues, and quick to engage in unethical/illegal practices to make a few extra bucks. Save yourself some grief and look elsewhere.
Response from The Merion
January 20, 2021
We take any allegation of impropriety extremely seriously, William. The type of behavior you describe runs contrary to all professional beliefs and standards we hold ourselves to, both at The Merion and our parent organization. Given we’re unaware of any interaction with you personally, or such illegal or unethical practices you mentioned, please contact Vicki Botefuhr, our general manager, at [removed] Ex. 503 so we can gather more information.
Anonymous - Resident/client
Independent Living
January 6, 2021
my review of the Merion
The community is in a great location, the apt sizes are good and they offer several different sized apts. I would recommend the community to others.
Response from The Merion
January 7, 2021
Thank you so much for your recommendation! We’re proud to offer residents a variety of apartment options right in the heart of Evanston. We appreciate you sharing your thoughts with us!
Anonymous - Resident/client
Independent Living
September 26, 2020
The Merion Staff Above and Beyond
Since we were moving in without personally seeing the facility, [name removed] was excellent in touring my daughter and allowing my grandson to video tape the available apartment's so we could make an informed choice. [name removed] also was excellent in responding to any queries and guiding us through the process. [name removed] was very helpful with helping our daughter get the room set up for our arrival as well as when the shipped items arrived.We were without our shipped items for two weeks. Without [name removed] help we would have been totally lost. Since moving in, all the staff have very helpful and gracious. [name removed] has checked on us several times to be sure we have settled in comfortably. The food has been excellent and the help [name removed] gave us hanging our art work made the apartment feel like home.
Response from The Merion
September 29, 2020
We’re so glad we were able to make this transition relatively stress free, and we’ll certainly share your compliments with the team members your family worked closely with. We understand how challenging any move can be, particularly if you’re coming from out of state. We appreciate the faith you showed in us throughout this process, and are delighted you’ve settled comfortably into our community. Thank you for such kind feedback, and please know we’re always available should you have questions or need assistance.
Anonymous - Toured community
Independent Living
September 22, 2020
I moved in 6 days ago and am very pleased with my decision to move here.
I have been interested in the Merion becuase it stresses independent living for senior. I am still actice and healthy and wanted to live in a senior community in the smae city in which I have lived since 1965.
Im made a great choice!!!
Response from The Merion
September 23, 2020
We’re delighted your first week has gone by smoothly, and that we’ve lived up to expectations thus far. We love being right in the heart of Evanston, and are proud to serve so many residents like yourself who have deep roots in the area. Thank you for taking a few minutes to share; we can’t wait to see all you’re going to contribute to our community.
Barbara Gerrish - Resident/client
Independent Living
June 16, 2020
Review of The Merion
With great enthusiasm, I applaud every aspect of living at The Merion. It is a privilege!
Prior to the COVID-19, the staff and all whom work so diligently to make the residents well -fed, entertained, and pampered were extraordinary. And during the stress of the pandemic, they have continued to meet this high bar. Thank you to all of you—
Response from The Merion
September 23, 2020
The privilege is ours, Barbara! We greatly appreciate your understanding and cooperation as our team navigates this difficult period. It’s such a pleasure to have you here, and please know your health and satisfaction will continue to be our focus. Thank you for the 5-star review!
Rachel Silverman - Resident/client
Independent Living
May 30, 2020
Review of The Merion
Love living at The Merion! I moved into a one-bedroom apt. from a 3 bedroom house in October 2019 and was greeted very warmly by residents and staff. The programs we have here are excellent and varied - even during this time when many are presented on the community T.V. channel
Response from The Merion
June 4, 2020
It’s been such a pleasure to have you as part of The Merion family these last nine months, Rachel! We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we navigate these challenging times together and find interim solutions that continue to put the health and safety of our residents and staff first. We hope it won’t be long before you’re able to enjoy our comprehensive amenities, programs and services. Until then, please let us know if there’s anything we can do to best support you.
Anonymous - Resident/client
Independent Living
May 30, 2020
Review of The Merion
The staff is doing the best it can under the circumstances for the well-being of the residents.
Response from The Merion
June 4, 2020
We greatly appreciate your kind words. Our team is taking every precaution to protect those who live and work here, and you and your neighbors’ well-being will continue to be our top priority.
Delores Erlebacher - Resident/client
Independent Living
May 23, 2020
Review of The Merion
Enjoy the friendliness of the community. The location is outstanding. Love being so close to the lakefront. Can walk to whatever I need - groceries, restaurants, movies, doctors, bakery.
Response from The Merion
June 4, 2020
We love being right in the heart of Evanston too, Delores! The walkability of our community is a huge plus, and our location gives residents such convenient access to all the shops, outdoor opportunities, and amenities you mentioned. If there’s any additional support we can provide you right now, please don’t hesitate to let a member of the leadership team know.
Neighborhoods around The Merion
See what the neighborhood has to offer and what’s nearby:
Frequently Asked Questions about The Merion
The Merion offers Studio, 1 Bedroom and 2 Bedrooms. Learn more.
A Place for Mom has scored The Merion 9.2 out of 10 using our proprietary review score.
We assign review scores to give a more reliable view into senior living communities and home care agencies. Our review scores prioritize reviews that are recent — the past 24 months — because we know families need current information when choosing senior care.
Those with many recent, positive reviews receive a high review score, while providers with few recent reviews — regardless of how positive — receive a lower review score. Communities with no recent reviews will not have a review score, even if older reviews are positive. The maximum A Place for Mom review score a community can receive is 10 points.
Call (847) 570-7815 to reach a resident at The Merion.
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To conduct a complete investigation, seniors and their families should:
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- Check additional licensing and state audit information
If you become aware of any information that should be updated or noted, please contact A Place for Mom. A Place for Mom uses the term “assisted living” to indicate that the community provides some level of assistance with daily living activities. It does not indicate that the facility meets official state requirements for level of care.
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