Cedarhurst Of Topeka, in Topeka, Kansas
Dover Development (Clayton, Mo.) wanted to get its senior living communities into more competitive markets and address the underserved needs of the growing senior population.
The company, which specializes in real estate development, interior design, and construction for senior living, multifamily, healthcare, and commercial real estate markets, engaged Vessel Architecture & Design (Creve Coeur, Mo.) to accomplish these goals and reimagine the design of its Cedarhurst senior living communities.
Specifically, the project team sought to refresh the design of Dover’s existing prototype community to include a town-square design and updated building layout. The result is the new Cedarhurst of Topeka, an assisted living and memory care community in Topeka, Kan.
Opened in March 2023, the community’s architecture draws heavily from the local landscape, with aesthetics suitable for its prairie and rural setting, including modern farmhouse elements such as gable lines and a white façade.
Creating a sense of community at Cedarhurst of Topeka
One critical issue with the previous community design was its failure to foster social interaction and community among residents. To address this, Cedarhurst of Topeka’s communal and amenity spaces, including a reception area, bistro, salon, health center, theater, and dining areas, are strategically clustered around a central town square. This set-up helps create a hub for interaction and activity.
The 57 assisted living units and 25 memory care units feature a refreshed design that maximizes natural light with large windows in each unit to make the space feel larger and more welcoming.
Outdoor spaces for seniors
Expansive and thoughtfully curated outdoor spaces also stand out at the new community. The assisted living area includes a central courtyard with meandering pathways, a pergola with a firepit, gardening space, and individual patios for each unit.
An inviting front porch welcomes residents and visitors to the assisted living and memory care community. A dining patio encourages interaction with the natural environment.
These outdoor spaces enhance the overall aesthetics and enrich residents’ lives, offering diverse opportunities for interaction, relaxation, and a connection with nature.
Cedarhurst Of Topeka, Kansas, project details
Location: Topeka, Kan.
Completion: March 2023
Owner: Dover Companies
Total building area: 75,368 sq. ft.
Total construction cost: $13.8 million
Cost/sq. ft.: $183.10
Architect: Vessel Architecture
Interior designer: Dover Development
General contractor: Brahms Construction
Engineers: J&M Engineering (structural), CJD Engineering (MEP), Bartlett & West (civil)
Builder: Brahms Construction
