Grand Living at The Grove
in Austin, Texas, will serve as a gateway to a bordering mixed-use development when it opens in 2024.
The 348,353-square-foot community will include 222 independent living, assisted living, and memory care units in the walkable neighborhood that includes outdoor spaces, a park, and retail. The five-story community also has centralized common areas and numerous activity spaces.
Here, designer Kale Paulsen, architect at Ryan A+E Inc. (Minneapolis), the design studio of Ryan Companies US, which is the architect of record on the project, talks about maximizing the dense, urban site for social interactions.
How did the project’s adjacency to a mixed-use development influence the design of the community?
As part of an urban, mixed-use development, density was a driving factor for the design. The community maximizes the buildable area by placing parking underground and outdoor amenity spaces on the roof.
As part of the development, achieving certification as an Austin Energy Green Building was a requirement. This influenced product selections ranging from locally sourced stone to low-emitting finishes to ensure clean indoor air quality as well as the installation of electric vehicle charging stations.
What are some of challenges and advantages of incorporating senior living within mixed-use developments?
Urban, mixed-use developments provide unique challenges with building height restrictions and step-backs. Additionally, accessibility and ease of mobility are of specific concern while managing grade change.
Although these provide design challenges, this also allows for a custom programmatic layout that leads to a unique community identity.
The Grove utilized this thought process to create community and private terrace spaces from required building step-backs. The grade change allowed for an elevated pool deck providing visual and auditory privacy from the street.
Do you expect to see more demand for senior living communities within urban settings?
Senior living communities will continue to be in demand as members of the baby boomer generation and beyond look for not just a place to live, but a place to thrive as they age. Living in highly amenitized mixed-use environments is all about quality of life for people of all ages and especially for seniors.
Being part of a multigenerational community can increase social interaction, and living near amenities like restaurants, shops, and grocery stores can help promote independence.
We expect demand for senior living communities in locations like the Grove to remain strong.
The project design also aims to drive connections within the community itself. Explain how this was achieved.
Grand Living at the Grove offers an array of amenity spaces. Providing multiple dining spaces, theater, gym, salon, and pool promotes activities with family and friends, as well as opportunities for community events and performances.
Looking beyond the building, the programmatic layout consistently prioritizes views of downtown Austin for visual connectivity to the surrounding urban fabric.
What expectations of residents and prospective residents do you anticipate shaping future senior living design?
Looking forward, technology within the building will likely continue to play an increasing role to identify health concerns and implement AI for fall detection.
Additionally, sustainability certifications such as LEED and Fitwel will have an increased influence on product selection and building strategies as local communities continue to value environmental consciousness and equitability.
We also expect a continued focus on resident experience and high-quality service as the competitive nature of the sector persists.
For more on mixed-use design in senior living, read this EFA article.
Anne DiNardo is executive editor of Environments for Aging. She can be reached at [email protected].
