RENOVATION / REPOSITIONING (CAMPUS) NOMINEE

MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Applewood

MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Applewood consists of 2 buildings and home to 107 apartments. Located in a quaint neighborhood called Applewood, a hidden gem located five minutes southeast of Golden Colorado. The Renovation objective was to update flooring, lighting, paint, and provide new FF&E. The design intent was to brighten, modernize, and revitalize each space, by retaining as many existing interior elements as possible- while maintaining a delicate balance between old and new. The previous design was dark, dated, and overly warm in coloration & décor. It did not reflect the tranquil and lighthearted nature of the current community or surrounding landscape.

Throughout the transformation, project leaders engaged residents and team members to weave their wants and wishes into the renovation plans, resulting in meaningful impact to design outcomes. Modern technologies such as touchless faucets, anti-microbial fabrics and bleach-cleanable surfaces increase the safety and wellness for residents and care members alike.

City/State:
Lakewood, CO
Date of Completion:
03/2024
Project Size (Sq. ft)
86,918 SF

Lobby Before | After

Owner:
MorningStar Senior Living & Bridge Investment Group
Operator:
MorningStar Senior Living
Interior Design Firm:
Aneka Interiors Inc.
Builder/Contractor:
Midwest CCM

Library Before | After

With three dining rooms, four living rooms, two libraries and multiple activity spaces, this community’s thoughtful redesign is focused on resident engagement, further supporting MorningStar’s Montessori-based therapies that both stimulate yet calm residents depending on individual needs and care.

Starting in the main building’s lobby, the artisan lighting accentuates the grandiose ceiling height, while visually connecting the two levels. Left of the Lobby lies the updated bistro where friends and family can connect over a quick bite, coffee or tea. The new Bistro design capitalizes on craftsman style with rich wood tones and hand-crafted backsplash tile that bring texture, color, and dimensionality to this casual meeting space.

The temperate California climate also encourages an indoor/outdoor lifestyle, inspiring our members to enjoy
outdoor dining and lounging next to the fireplace in our courtyard.

Dining Room Before | After

The Parlor to the right of the Lobby, as well as the centrally located Library, both utilize the existing casework and fireplaces however, cost effective updates were made to the stone and new accent paint was selected to maintain the timeless simplicity of Craftsman style earth tones. In the Library a wallcovering with subtle floral motif contrasts nicely with masculine geometric patterns found in the textiles and carpet. This balanced blend results in a space that is dynamic yet cozy, unpretentious, and warm.

MorningStar at Applewood’s Memory Care neighborhoods stay true to craftsman style roots with central fireplaces that serve as visual anchors to ground the relatively open-concept spaces. Keeping the existing fireplace stone and white-washing it; modernizes the look and maintains the beauty of the natural material and hand-crafted form. Warm woodgrain luxury vinyl floor tile set in a herringbone pattern, provides the feeling of hardwood with the durability of commercial use, imbuing the interior with authenticity and character indicative of the unique charm found in the local community.

Designed to offer each member an elevated and engaged life, including the Elegant Palmer Library and Lobby.

Sunroom Before | After

Overall, the colors, textures, and patterns used are energetic yet comfortable and inviting. The recent renovation without a doubt increased: residents’ pride in their community, usage and functionality of each amenity space, and greatly increased occupancy going from around 60% before the renovation to around 90% occupancy after completion. All relevant design choices were curated to make MorningStar at Applewood’s a best-in-class community with enduring elegance and character.