Baker Barrios Architects has announced the completion of a 180-unit senior housing development, Brightmore of East Memphis, in Memphis, Tenn., as well as the start of construction on Aden Senior Living, a 131-unit senior housing development in Ormond Beach, Fla. Both developments include assisted living as well as memory care facilities, while Brightmore of East Memphis also features an independent living component.
“Demand is on the rise for senior housing given size of the aging boomer population, which has presented an opportunity to rethink what senior living looks like,” said Johnny Dagher, principal and senior living practice leader for Baker Barrios Architects. “Baby boomers looking for senior housing for themselves understand this may be the last place they call home, so they want it to be a full lifestyle experience. The design inspiration is far more ‘hospitality’ than ‘healthcare,’ yet these facilities also offer the peace of mind of on-site care and assistance, if and when it’s needed.”
Brightmore of East Memphis – Memphis, Tenn.
Featuring upscale amenities including an indoor pool, fitness center, art studio, salon and activity/billiards room, the 210,000-square-foot Brightmore of East Memphis is “not your grandparents’ senior housing development,” according to Dagher. Rather, he notes, its design intent is to provide a continuity in lifestyle for active boomers as they age. The development offers three types of living arrangements, including independent living, assisted living and memory care. Residents also have access to various dining options and multiple outdoor spaces supporting both active and passive pursuits.
Individual residences feature upscale finishes including granite countertops and stone tile, along with oversized windows and 10-foot ceilings. Brightmore offers 122 independent living units with 11 different floor plans, ranging from a 530-square-foot studio to a 2,250-square-foot two-bedroom plan, and 34 assisted living units with 15 different floor plans, ranging from a 360-square-foot studio to 800-square-foot semi-private, companion units with two bedrooms and a common living area. There are 24 memory care units in an adjoining single-story building.
Baker Barrios provided architecture and landscape design services for Brightmore of East Memphis. The project was developed by Home Communities Co. and will be operated by Liberty Senior Living. Montgomery Martin Contractors served as the general contractor.
Aden Senior Living – Ormond Beach, Fla.
The 120,000-square-foot senior living community recently broke ground and is expected to deliver in late 2023. Developed by RBS Ormond Beach Investments LLC, with Baker Barrios providing master planning, architecture and interior design services, the project will include 99 assisted living and 32 memory care units, along with amenities including a wellness center. The general contractor is JP Wiseman Construction, and the operator is AgeWell Solvere Living.
Aden is situated on 4 wooded acres, which influenced the overall Baker Barrios design. Large windows, multiple outdoor access points and common indoor/outdoor spaces emphasized the biophilic connection, which has been shown to support mental and physical well-being. The community will feature a large assisted living courtyard and a smaller courtyard for memory care residents. A perimeter exercise path was designed to connect residents with the outdoors while keeping active.
“Biophilic principles continue to be an important influence in designing senior living,” Dagher noted. “Meaningful connections to nature have been proven to support cognitive function and mental health, which is especially important for an aging demographic.
“As architects designing senior housing, we have a responsibility to design for meeting the needs of the whole person – physically and mentally,” Dagher continued. “We want to create places that support a meaningful quality of life at all levels of skilled care.”
For more information on Baker Barrios and to view current and past projects, visit www.bakerbarrios.com.
About Baker Barrios Architects:
Baker Barrios Architects was established in 1993, founded on the belief in creative excellence, innovative solutions and long-term relationships. The firm tells its clients’ stories through placemaking and creative design. Baker Barrios maintains a high level of involvement through a project’s completion to ensure the owner’s objectives are met and the integrity of design is maintained even after occupancy. The staff of highly trained professionals is experienced in a variety of assignments for developers, corporations, healthcare providers, religious organizations, state and local agencies, and colleges and universities, providing full-service planning, architecture, interior design and landscape architecture services.
