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About the project:

Clark Retirement Communities’ mission is “to create communities of dignity, compassion and respect centered on the lives of older adults and those who care for them.”

The client wanted to create a peaceful yet active community for residents to live and play independently and in relationship to neighbors. They wanted the project to function like a community center for Keller Lake, with spaces for activities, health and fitness, and fine dining.

Objectives

• Celebrate context by immersing the residents into the beauty of nature.
• Connect to community amenities and activities, promoting a personalized experience for all.
• Remove barriers to foster and grow independence, including social activity and connection.
• Promote personal growth and a vibrant and flourishing lifestyle.
• Continue to provide flexibility for change, development, and forward-thinking programming that reflects a pioneering spirit.

Outcomes

Built on 27 acres at Keller Lake, the new community features 52 independent-living apartment homes, with five different one and two-bedroom floorplans to choose from.

Keller Lake features West Michigan’s first town-square model, forming a tight-knit 62-and-better Life Plan Community bustling with activity. Amenities include peaceful lakefront walking paths, a fully equipped wellness center, a piazza for gathering with friends, a bistro, and restaurant. Heated underground parking and storage is included for each resident.

The facility was designed to emphasize natural scenery, including outdoor balconies on each apartment, with views of the lake from as many as possible. Large windows allow plenty of natural light throughout the homes.

Keeping older adults in mind, the architects and engineers made sure homecare would be possible in each of the resident units. All doorways and entrances to the suites are widened for mobility devices and hospital beds, and there is enough back-up power to handle medical devices during emergencies. The team also made sure the units would be sustainable in power outages.

The project was featured in Environments for Aging Magazaine’s 2022 Spring Design Showcase, and received a Citation Award in the 2023 AIA Indiana Healthcare Design Awards.

Progressive AE was the project architectural firm and architect of record, and MKM Architecture + Design was the design architect on this project.

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