ASSISTED LIVING NOMINEE

morningstar at observatory park

Located in the historic neighborhood in South Denver just blocks away from Observatory Park, MorningStar residents will benefit from convenient access to local parks, the University of Denver, golf courses, shopping, fine dining, and medical centers. Influenced by South Denver’s sprawling mix of residential and urban areas with busy streets lined with coffee shops, laid-back eateries, and neighborhood bars, the design approach was to create an inviting environment that reflects the local lifestyle. This senior living community isn’t just a place to live; it’s a destination where life blossoms and memories flourish.

City/State:
Denver, CO
Date of Completion:
03/31/2023
Project Size (Sq. ft)
85,000 SF
Owner:
MorningStar Senior Living & Confluent Senior Living
Operator:
MorningStar Senior Living
Architect:
Hord Coplan Macht
Interior Design Firm:
Thoma-Holec Design LLC
Builder/Contractor:
Shaw Construction

This community is situated on a compact plot of land in a redeveloped urban area of Denver, demanding meticulous planning to accommodate the desired amenities within the limited first-floor space. To optimize staffing efficiency, the reception desk seamlessly extends from the Bistro, enabling a single staff member to simultaneously monitor incoming visitors and attend to residents seeking refreshments or light snacks at the Bistro. Additionally, residents benefit from a convenient on-site market, secured by a sliding barn door, allowing them to conveniently purchase items without the need for an external shopping excursion.

This inviting area on the third floor provides residents with an opportunity to come together for card games or a friendly game of Scrabble. Additionally, a cozy balcony adjacent to this room offers a delightful spot for residents to savor scenic views.

A spacious gathering area, when combined with the adjoining theater, transforms into an expansive venue ideal for community events and celebrations. Featuring diverse seating arrangements, this room is designed to accommodate both intimate conversations and large-scale gatherings with ease.

Within the fitness space, a mural by a local photographer graces one of the walls, providing residents in the room with a delightful sense of the outdoors. The color palette featured in the mural is thoughtfully integrated into the room’s finishes, creating a harmonious environment.

The art room is a designated area where residents can unleash their creative talents. It is equipped with large canvases on easels accompanied by stools, allowing residents to work on expansive art projects, as well as tabletop easels for more compact creations.

Each resident apartment provides a private and personalized living space that they can truly call home. The design of this particular apartment draws inspiration from the natural beauty of Colorado, incorporating earthy colors and wood elements to evoke the ambiance of the state.

The presence of a fireplace serves as an attractive focal point, not only distinguishing the Bistro from the Main Dining area, but also permitting abundant natural light to fill the room through its floor-to-ceiling windows. To enhance the dining experience, a gracefully curved banquet subtly divides the space, ensuring that the seating arrangement doesn’t evoke a cafeteria-like ambiance.

Residents can enjoy a view into the kitchen, where they can observe the culinary preparation of their meals, including the use of a pizza oven. The Dining Room’s upscale atmosphere is enhanced by custom-made rounded booths featuring natural stone and textured element.

The first-floor layout is meticulously designed to facilitate a seamless flow of light throughout the entire space. Thoughtfully positioned columns, a transparent fireplace, and a see-through wine wall serve to create distinct and intimate zones within the Bistro, enhancing its overall ambiance.

The Private Dining area offers an exclusive setting for gatherings of 6-12 individuals, ensuring complete privacy. The wine wall showcases the chef’s handpicked recommendations, thoughtfully selected to complement the delectable dishes crafted exclusively for the residents.