The Residences on Forest Lane
A free-standing, self-contained home, focused on developing small, intimate spaces with warm interior designs, with resident-centered care that promotes independence and focuses on helping elders live full and vibrant lives.
Situation
The Montello Care Center, located in a small rural community in central Wisconsin, was seated on a large wooded lot with multiple expansion opportunities
- An expansion was planned to start a unique continuum of care option for residents in Marquette County
- It was decided that views to the forested area behind the home be preserved, so the expansion was added to the front of the existing facility, adding a residential facelift to an existing institutional-looking building
Solutions
- A plan was developed to create a CBRF that revolved around the concept of community, incorporating a layout and features that encouraged resident interaction
- CLS architects developed a C-shaped plan that consists of a full-service kitchen located at the core that allows staff to monitor almost all common indoor and outdoor areas of the facility
- In addition to a great room at the entry, other common areas such as a quiet library/den, activity/game room, screen porch and small sitting areas are incorporated to give residents maximum choices in living and activities
- Beautifully landscaped courtyard area with winding paths allows safe and convenient outdoor access and beautiful views from inside the community
- 14 of 16 resident suites are private, with full bathrooms and showers
- All common areas capitalize on generous exterior views of the surrounding gardens encompassed by the natural beauty of this rural, wooded setting
Results
- Staff reports that most residents spend their time in the community living areas throughout each day
- Positive feedback from residents, their families and the community
- Positive cash flow improvement
- Facility featured in 2011 Trends in Design issue of LeadingAge as design that exemplified efficient use of space to create intimate residential settings or shared spaces to optimize person-centered care, independence, privacy and social interaction
“The Community Living Solutions team provided impressive planning solutions and helped us get Board and government approvals, delivered great design, and were responsive to all our needs throughout the process. I would highly recommend them.”
– Brent Meyers, Administrator
