The Cottages at Hearthstone, a WesleyLife community located in Pella, Iowa, is among five organizations recognized as a top Award of Merit recipient in the 19th annual Environments for Aging Design Showcase.
The Environments for Aging program is an annual review of new architectural concepts in long-term care settings, with entries ranging from conceptual designs to newly completed buildings. The competition is a partnership of The Society for the Advancement of Gerontological Environments (SAGE), The Center for Health Design (CHD), the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) and the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).
WesleyLife’s design for The Cottages was recognized for innovation, community collaboration, aesthetics and improving resident wellness and outcomes. Designed as five separate households with 16 to 21 suites, all connected with attractive community amenities, The Cottages create a unique neighborhood set into a beautiful rural hillside. The design, decor and naming of each household was influenced by Pella’s rich Dutch heritage and farming lifestyle. Design details, colorful finishes, an open kitchen concept, sunrooms and living room fireplaces create a comfortable, home-like living environment for frailer older persons.
“The true innovation of The Cottages is how its design, operation and the spirit of the people who live and work there breaks down those clinical practices that make many people shy away from retirement communities,” said WesleyLife Chief Executive Officer Rob Kretzinger.
The 84,000-square-foot structure was completed in 2013. Pope Architects Inc. of St. Paul, Minn., served as architect and interior designer, while Weitz Co. of Des Moines served as general contractor.
Funding for The Cottages was supported through $4.5 million dollars in community donations. In addition, Pella Regional Health Center gifted WesleyLife three of its senior living buildings in 2010. As a condition of this partnership, WesleyLife built a new assisted living and skilled nursing community to replace services that had been offered through the hospital. The Cottages are now home to 48 skilled nursing suites, 16 skilled memory care suites, 16 assisted living memory support suites and 21 assisted living apartments.
An awards ceremony will be held at the EFA Conference (April 19-21, Baltimore), and winning projects will be profiled as part of Showcase editorial coverage in the Spring 2015 issue of the magazine.