NELSON AL | MC

CHALLENGE:
Introduce design elements and service functions to support a repeatable model for an enhanced AL and MC experience.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• An ongoing collaboration with Nelson Construction and Development (Des Moines, Iowa) is resulting in a series of new assisted living communities in Iowa and Illinois, each with a dedicated memory care component.
• Marketing studies and neighborhood feedback indicated that assisted living and especially memory care are lacking in these communities.
• The goal of these thoughtfully designed senior living environments is to create innovative, yet familiar residential-style care settings seamlessly integrated into the context of their distinct locations.
• The team balances the needs of a for-profit owner (Nelson) with the expertise of a not-for-profit operator, Franciscan Advisory Services. Each building is planned to support Franciscan’s respected philosophy of care and operational needs.
• Eight assisted living communities—with memory care components ranging in size from 32 to 44 residents—are in various stages of development from concept design to under construction.
• CedarStone in Cedar Falls, Iowa, the debut project, was completed in July 2022.
• The Woodlands at Canterfield in West Dundee, Illinois opened in 2023.
• Each project is designed to:
  • Reflect the unique character of its surrounding community and respond appropriately to specific site conditions
  • Promote secure outdoor access
  • Integrate biophilic design elements
  • Balance operational efficiencies with a positive resident experience
  • Prioritize private resident rooms