ARCHITECTURAL AWARD
In a ceremony at the annual meeting of AAHSA, the American Association of Housing and Services for the Aging, on October 21, 2007, the American Institute of Architects presented its first ever “Design for Aging Ten Year Award” to Meadow Lakes.
Given to architectural projects that have been completed for more than ten years, the award acknowledges a design that was both excellent when opened and that has survived the test of time. With today’s customers and changed environment, Meadow Lakes at forty-three is valued and is relevant to today’s society. Its design fits today’s programs.
“Award-winning properties exemplify innovation, high-quality design, and longevity,” according to Mitch Green, Chair of AIA’s Design for Aging Knowledge Committee. “These properties had a profound effect on the senior living industry and offer valuable lessons that are applicable in today’s competitive environment.”
Meadow Lakes was one of the first continuing care retirement community (CCRC) projects to adopt a campus plan. “It unified the various sections of the site, placing them all under one roof,” Green explained. “Through the use of wide brick and glass corridors Meadow Lakes incorporates the external environment, lakes, woods, and fields, into its design.” Architect and current resident, Tony Baionno, can take pride in this award. He served on the original design team!
The facility was built to accommodate changing resident needs and marketplace shifts and over the years key additions including assisted living, a memory care unit, independent living cottages, a lakeside café, and indoor pool and fitness center have been added. Further enhancing the viability of the Meadow Lakes community, a new 60-unit independent living building is under construction.
The award recognizes that Meadow Lakes is distinguished both by its unique design, and the importance placed on strong community leadership, responsiveness to resident needs and promotion of healthful aging. “We are honored to have been chosen by the AIA for this prestigious award,” said Jay Zimmer, Executive Director of Meadow Lakes, on accepting the award. “It demonstrates our tradition of commitment to the health and well-being of current and future residents.”
Building the beautiful Dining Room beams
Construction most recently completed includes Meadowside, the Memory Care Unit, and 15 free-standing cottages, two of which are pictured below.
Independent Living Cottages
February 12, 2010