When tasked with transforming an existing senior living facility while it remained fully operational, our team faced a unique set of challenges. But this wasn't just another renovation project – it was about creating a space where memories could be treasured.
The 11,767-square-foot design-build project, scheduled for completion in early May 2025, represents a $1.57 million investment in compassionate senior care. Working alongside our partners at PJ Hoerr, we tackled the complex puzzle of retrofitting an occupied building while maintaining daily operations.
How do you transform an occupied senior living facility – creating new common spaces and a secure Memory Care wing – while working around existing systems and maintaining daily operations?
Through strategic phasing and thoughtful design informed by personal experience with memory care, we created welcoming, functional spaces that enhance resident life.
One of our primary challenges was carving out a welcoming commons space and kitchen within the existing footprint. This required careful navigation around existing systems while ensuring the new design would seamlessly integrate with the facility's operations. Perhaps most importantly, we needed to create a secure Memory Care wing that would provide both safety and comfort for residents.
The impact extends beyond the physical structure. Family members visiting their loved ones will find a welcoming environment that instills confidence in their choice of care facility. For residents, it's more than just a place to live – it's a home where they can thrive.
What makes this project truly special is its personal connection. As our lead interior designer shares, "Memory care is near and dear to my heart. My mom suffers from dementia, and throughout the design process, I often thought of what would make her happy and comfortable in that environment." This personal insight helped shape spaces that aren't just functional, but truly nurturing.
Monarch Landing wanted to turn their tired, cafeteria-like cafe into a dynamic and fresh bistro environment, while finding efficiencies during the design process to better serve their residents and staff. The 124 seats can be arranged within a variety of settings which include the large main dining area, a more intimate banquet seating area, and the “pub,” which can be closed off with large barn doors for a private space or resident events.
As an extension to the Carriage Crossing Senior Living (CCSL) Rochester community, BLDD was commissioned to design a townhome/cottage master plan. The project is built on a 3.17-acre site that consists of 14 one-story cottage quadplexes, triplexes and duplexes.
Carriage Crossing Assisted Living in Arcola, Illinois is a 42,500 s.f. facility that includes 42 units for assisted living and 14 units for memory care.