Community leaders and partners gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of Bella Largo Senior Living, a new senior living facility set to bring cutting-edge care to La Porte. Located in the Hi-Point Business Park near Exit 49 of Interstate 90, Bella Largo aims to offer a fresh approach to assisted living and memory care, providing services designed to enhance the quality of life for residents while addressing modern health challenges. The project, developed by John English, is expected to open in early 2026.
The 50,000-square-foot, single-story building will house 63 units, with 30 dedicated to memory care and 33 for assisted living. What sets Bella Largo apart is its Covid-resistant design, which incorporates advanced air purification technologies and UV systems to minimize airborne viruses, adding another level of precaution to resident safety.
Additionally, Bella Largo is a certified Women’s Business Enterprise, led by co-owners Deb Arnold, Linda Arnold, and Erica Arnold, making it the only women-owned senior care facility in the region.
“Bella Largo is a project we are very proud of,” said Deb Arnold, CEO. “As a women-owned business, this facility brings a nurturing touch that we believe will add extra comfort to residents. This isn’t just a place to live; it’s designed to feel like home, with thoughtful amenities and natural surroundings.”
The facility’s location provides scenic waterfront views, nearby trails, and access to nature, which were important factors in its development. According to Arnold, Bella Largo’s vision was partly inspired by her family’s own experiences with senior care.
“We both lost our parents, and we struggled to find a place that truly felt like home,” she said. “This location offers the best of both worlds—natural beauty and proximity to Chicago, making it ideal for those with elderly loved ones nearby.”
In addition to its focus on health and safety, Bella Largo will offer a host of amenities for residents, including a private dining room, hair salon, exercise area, and access to on-site therapists. The facility will also feature a top-notch kitchen focused on farm-to-fork meals, ensuring nutritious, locally sourced food options for residents. Future plans for the development include a second phase to add a senior village with duplexes, allowing residents to transition through various stages of care as their needs evolve.
“We’ve done extensive research to ensure the colors, textures, and decor create a safe, comforting environment for memory care residents,” said developer John English. “Bella Largo isn’t just a building; it’s a community that meets seniors’ unique needs.”
Mark Childress, a board member of the 39 North Conservancy District, also attended the groundbreaking and praised the collaboration that made Bella Largo possible.
“The board couldn’t be more excited about this project,” Childress said. “We reached a point where growth outpaced our ability to move forward independently, so we partnered with the City of La Porte. With infrastructure improvements and new projects underway, the potential for this area’s growth has never been more promising.”
Mayor Tom Dermody has worked consistently to attract projects that enhance the quality of life for La Porte’s residents. His leadership has played a critical role in building partnerships between the city, developers, and local organizations.
“Bella Largo is a great example of the kind of development that strengthens our community and enhances the quality of life for our residents,” said Dermody. “We’re excited to see this vision come to life and proud to support projects that align with La Porte’s future.”
The groundbreaking marked an important step forward in bringing Bella Largo to life, a project Arnold describes as a true labor of love. With support from local organizations, including the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership (LEAP) and the La Porte County Redevelopment Commission, Bella Largo Senior Living is poised to become a valuable addition to the community.
“Everyone involved has shown unwavering dedication,” Arnold said. “We look forward to welcoming our first residents in 2026 and to providing a safe, vibrant space where they can truly thrive.”
For more information on this development, visit https://laportepartnership.com/