When Moorings Park Grande Lake in Naples, Fla., set out to expand its campus with an assisted living building, the continuing care retirement community (CCRC) sought to foster and enhance resident independence within the higher-care setting. GardenView Assisted Living, which opened in October 2025, houses 23 private suites in a 3-story, 81,500-square-foot building, tucked within the lakefront campus. The addition is designed by Wegman Design Group (Naples, Fla.), which submitted the project to the Design Showcase.
One feature of the community that stands out is the third-floor neighborhood called Magnolia, which features double-occupancy hybrid rooms to accommodate couples who have different care needs. Magnolia units range from 1,000-square-foot one-bedroom to 1,557-square-foot two-bedroom floor plans, each with a full kitchen and great room.
To promote independence, connection, and autonomy, amenity spaces on the third floor are exclusive to Magnolia residents, such as a fitness center, presentation kitchen, Vista dining venue, and Palmetto Sunroom. The spaces are designed with a neutral color palette with warm wood accents to convey a sense of calm and comfort. Magnolia residents also can access amenities on the second floor, including a fitness space geared more to physical therapy.
The hybrid concept caught jurors’ attention, with one noting, “The ability for spouses to live in an assisted living environment and feel the comforts of high-end independent living is something that shows true respect for the aging senior.”
Additionally, to help foster independence throughout GardenView, residences are equipped with smart-home systems, including discreet overhead lighting that detects falls, adjusts brightiness automatically for safety, and tracks sleep patterns to identify changes in well-being. Wearable devices also can summon help with a touch, and smart speakers provide two-way communication with staff. According to GardenView, the subtle use of technology results in residents feeling always supported but never monitored.
