FINALIST – 2024 Environments for Aging Design Showcase
Looking to expand their faith-based services, Methodist Retirement Communities (MRC) identified a need for a vibrant senior living option in the Fort Worth, Texas, market. They wanted to create a community that leverages their 60 years of senior living experience—“the perfect blend of longevity and innovation to create a community culture that stands apart.”
The design team worked with MRC to thoughtfully integrate this enticing senior living community within a new, vibrant mixed-use neighborhood development. The design of the community was intended to inspire healthy living and encourage active aging while reinforcing connectivity and fostering relationships “built on an old-fashioned handshake.” The community includes independent living, assisted living, memory support, rehabilitation, and ample amenities across all levels of care.
The master plan reflects the best in senior living trends with thoughtful connections between the senior living community and surrounding neighborhood as well as seamless indoor and outdoor amenity spaces. This community was designed with every movement of residents, visitors, and staff in mind. Each building is organized around a series of landscaped courtyards where activity and connectivity are encouraged. Dining venues, a pool and areas for outdoor games make each a distinct destination. Creating harmony between buildings and minimizing travel distances for residents and staff were prioritized. A distinct service corridor was created to support back-of-house efficiency—improving the work experience for staff while maintaining a hospitality-inspired front-of-house atmosphere for residents. The innovative planning layers and interconnects spaces along an intuitive path of travel guided by direct connections to the outdoors.
Inspired by the Texas Hill Country design aesthetic, an articulated façade with large windows and balconies maximizes daylight. A palette of earth tones complemented by the rich textures of natural wood and stone emphasizes the open and comforting appeal of this western style. The interior design reinforces the textural palette with nature-inspired hues and metallic accents. Clean lines, eye-catching light fixtures, and dramatic art selections infuse a contemporary appeal.
This refined design accentuates the exceptional dining program that was a priority for achieving the desired family-focused lifestyle for the residents. The dining program highlights include farm-to-table choices and incorporating resident family recipes into the regular meal prep. Each venue (Casual, Courtyard, Private, and Grab-n-Go) provides a vibrant and welcoming culinary atmosphere—elevated dining experiences that promote connectivity.
Amenities, space planning, and design details focus on socializing, spirituality, and healthy living—spaces and destinations to keep residents active, mobile, and connected.
Project category: New construction
Chief administrator: Kristi Baird, executive director
Firms: AG Architecture, agarch.com; Studio 121, studio-121.net
Design team: AG Architecture (architecture); Studio 121 (interior design); Andres Construction (construction); TriMark (food service); Dunaway (civil/landscaping); PEC (MEP)
Total building area (sq. ft.): 340,443
Construction cost/sq. ft.: $191
Total construction cost (excluding land): $65 million
Completed: October 2022
Photography: © Gibeon Photography