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Grace Lutheran Communities

Bridging Communities

Grace Lutheran Foundation had determined through multiple studies that it was time to replace its 40-year-old, multi-story skilled nursing facility. Because remodeling the current facility wasn’t feasible, CLS conducted master planning for several alternative locations that would continue to support Grace Lutheran’s reputation as a preferred provider. After studying more than a dozen sites, CLS and Grace Lutheran chose a site between a residential neighborhood and interstate highway. The challenging nine-acre linear site provided visibility and accessibility for short-term care residents while the resident-centered household complemented the neighborhood. Orientating each household’s entrance to different streets facilitated the distinction of separate short-term and long-term care functions. The facility was also designed with the flexibility to be reclassified for assisted living.

Project Challenges

  • Because remodeling the current facility wasn’t feasible, CLS conducted master planning for several alternative locations.
  • Design a senior living campus on a unique site that would incorporate all program amenities while using highway-facing spaces to garner community interest.
  • Create a design that welcomed public use while keeping residents safe and secure.

Project Process

CLS, through its master planning process, brought together two distinct facilities under one roof. With guidance from project committees, focus groups, surveys and one-to-one meetings with stakeholders, informed, consensus-based decisions were made. The process brought balance to a unique site resulting in a design for functionality,quality of life and a seamless continuum of care.

Project Highlights

  • Resident-centered programming design featuring separate short-term care and long-term care skilled nursing neighborhoods.
  • State-of-the-art therapy, wellness and rehabilitation suite.
  • Commons area featuring bistro, community gathering, education center, chapel,and gift and salon services.
  • Varying colors, building materials and scale of the building respond to the residential qualities of the neighborhood setting.
  • Formal and informal dining areas with full kitchen service that supports resident choice and flexibility.

Why this project was successful

“Community Living Solutions take the hassle out of building! Terry and his team guide you through the construction process and produce a beautiful building with features that you did not know you needed.” –Mike Christensen, CEO, Grace Lutheran Communities