SENIOR LIVING DESIGN HAS BIG IMPACT ON WELLNESS

Kansas City, Mo. – Rosemann & Associates, P.C. recently completed the historic renovation of Newton Place Apartments, an affordable, independent senior living community located in Neosho, Mo. Originally constructed in 1906, Newton Place Apartments provides seniors, age 62 or older, with an independent living option in a location that encourages an active lifestyle.

“When we get older our world tends to shrink and it becomes harder to keep up with old friends,” says senior living design expert Nancy Rodney, AIA, LEED AP. “By providing housing in centralized locations we keep seniors engaged, benefiting the community and their own health and well-being.”

Newton Place Apartments is one of the tallest buildings in the town and has a prominent position in its downtown square. “Its location allows the residents to take full advantage of community amenities while having a safe, comfortable place to retreat,” says Project Architect Suzanne Regier, LEED AP.

A few building amenities that encourage social well-being include a first floor community room and computer lab, a secured, outdoor patio and common areas for group activities. “Because of the building’s intimate setting and connected amenities the residents can easily form friendships,” says Regier.

Rodney explains intimate, home-like settings often create a family atmosphere which assists in the transition from a single family home to senior living. “Contrary to expectations, it is much harder for seniors to make new friends than for younger people,” she says. “Small group settings that allow individuals to shine ease the process of becoming part of the group.”

Once known as the Newton Hotel, Rosemann developed an updated design to reflect the building’s hotel era. By removing the 1970s additions, restoring the facades and highlighting the exteriors with an outdoor lighting scheme and fabric awnings, the building is similar in style to a boutique hotel.

Creating a cohesive boutique style, Rosemann’s interior designers selected upscale lighting fixtures, new furnishings, and a warm color palette. Director of Interior Design Vickie Stewart adds, “We chose original oil paintings and traditional furnishings to create an old world feel that is familiar to the residents and something they can relate to.”

One design challenge was optimizing natural light while maintaining the building’s historic fenestration. Rosemann’s designers solved this issue by creating openings above the kitchen cabinets to borrow light from the bedrooms. “Seniors like everyone, respond well to natural light,” explains Rodney. “It is important for their physical and psychological well-being.”

Working as the architect and interior designer for owner Newton Place, L.P., Rosemann teamed with the City of Neosho, the Missouri Housing Development Commission, Fairway Construction Co. Inc., Straub Construction, Inc., Bob D. Campbell & Co. Inc., and PKMR Engineers, LLC to complete the project.

With four stories and over 13,000 sq. ft., the design includes 11 one-bedroom units and 4 two-bedroom units in a small floor plan typical of historic buildings.

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