Is your community aging in place?
That's the question Jim Moore, president of Moore Diversified Services, asks CEOs in a widely read industry newsletter he has published for the senior-living market for the past ten years.
"In communities built in the 1960s and 70s, there is frequently inadequate space in common areas, space that is now desperately needed," Moore writes. He also identifies other shortcomings in older communities, including very small studio and alcove apartments, less than the optimum mix of one- and two-bedroom units, outdated interior designs and a lack of kitchens.
Moore cites five key areas to hone in on when planning capital improvement
 projects in "aging" communities:
1. First impressions matter — The outside of your campus sets the table for visitors and prospective residents, so review signs, pavement, landscaping and lighting.
2. Exterior excitement — Fresh paint and new color combinations, contemporary window treatments, and interesting elevation facades and roof lines improve the appearance of your building's exterior and contribute to a positive first impression.
3. Revive interior public spaces — Update the interior design of your community with new materials, finishes and renovations.
4. Back-of-the-house details — Expand and improve kitchen equipment and laundry facilities and install energy-efficient HVAC systems.
5. Enhance individual living units — Update or replace appliances, fixtures, cabinetry, carpeting and vertical/horizontal surfaces.
Horst Construction would like to add a sixth to this list...
6. Use the Design-Build process to get speed of delivery and cost-control into your process. Design-Build helps your team by bringing all parties to the table to agree to design, scope of work and cost early enough to make changes if necessary. Horst Construction can provide early estimating and value engineering to ensure that every dollar you spend on construction derives maximum benefit. |
