Environments for Aging - Winter 2022 - 40

REMODEL/RENOVATION COMPETITION
Masonic Pathways - Dining Room [Alma, Mich.]
Submitted by: Hobbs+Black Architects [Ann Arbor, Mich.]
BEFORE
JURY COMMENTS:
* I think that this is an excellent example to providers
to show that you can create a quality memory
care environment in an existing but stunning
transformation. What a great way to engage family
members and staff in a space that does not feel like
you are in a nursing environment.
* I applaud the dignity that is created for residents to
age through the continuum and not feel that when
higher levels of care are required you must step into an
institutionalized space that feels sterile and cold. This
is a breath of fresh air. I appreciate the uniqueness
of the palette and design. The greater utilization of
the floor plan is central to the success of this project.
Beautiful outcome.
BEFORE
MASONIC PATHWAYS MADE a commitment to
the residents and staff to completely change the
daily experience throughout the skilled nursing
building. Dining rooms, activity rooms, lobby,
and staff offices were all renovated and reconfigured
for improved circulation and ease of use for
the residents. In the culinary program, each dining
room was opened up to remove the surrounding
walls, allowing easier access and interactive
dining sensory experience.
The first floor south dining room was treated
in a special way to become a more open café environment.
This dining venue is situated close to
40 | supplement to environments for aging
rehab patients and the main building circulation
route, thus providing a space for family and staff
to grab a bite and mingle. The café features a wood
slat ceiling with a special wall covering mounted
above and modern light fixtures hanging through
the slats. Vinyl floors provide seamless transition
under the tables and a tiled floor at the serving
counter brings back memories from food service
of the past. The café also opens to an outside patio,
allowing warm weather enjoyment.
The café and outdoor patio are a popular place
for eating and picture taking-as evidenced by the
social media posts from Masonic Pathways.
* As a nursing home administrator, I love to see
renovations of SNF that provide more options in the
higher levels of care. The before and after pictures show
the huge difference. Love that this is close to the shortterm
rehab patients which many times enjoy a different
type of dining experience and have a lot of visitors, but
also on the same floor as the long-term care residents
who also enjoy variety. The different ceiling treatments
and table and chair configurations offer visual interest
and provide separate options even within the same area.
Design team: Hobbs+Black Architects (architect);
Masonic Pathways (owner); Matrix Engineering
(MEP); SCOPOS Hospitality Group (food service);
Spence Brothers Construction (construction)
Cost per square foot: $275
Photos (after): John D'Angelo
Firm contact: (734) 663-4189, hobbs-black.com
http://www.hobbs-black.com
Environments for Aging - Winter 2022

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