Kathryn Herman has lived at Avalon Square, in Waukesha, Wis., for nearly two decades. Through the years, she has been happy with her home and the community. But now, when she sits comfortably in her apartment, it still feels like home, only better.
Kathryn’s apartment was recently renovated, part of a campus-wide project to upgrade all apartments and community spaces. The outcome is an improved and comfortable environment that fosters the well-being of older adults throughout Avalon Square.
She couldn’t be happier with her apartment home. “It’s wonderful! It makes me feel young. I’m so happy with the colors that were chosen,” she said as she describes the new cabinetry, granite countertops, flooring and stainless-steel appliances in the kitchen.
Her bathroom was also renovated, replacing the vanity, fixtures and lighting, and the entire apartment was repainted and recarpeted. “Everything feels so fresh!” she said. She especially appreciates the roll-out shelving in the kitchen and bathroom. “I really like those. That has made my life easier,” she said.
Community renovations in the pipeline
The project at Avalon Square is one of several renovations of PHS communities. “Our buildings have a life cycle both in function and aesthetic,” says Dustin Sayer, director of renovations for Presbyterian Homes & Services (PHS). Things get old, systems wear down, color and décor are outdated. We address the condition of the buildings on an ongoing basis — 15 years for shared community spaces and 25 years for apartments.”
Along with Avalon Square, the most recent renovations have been completed at:
- Boutwells Landing, Oak Park Heights, Minn.
- EagleCrest, Roseville, Minn. — apartments only
- GracePointe Crossing, Cambridge, Minn.
- Stonecrest, Woodbury, Minn.
- The Deerfield, New Richmond, Wis.
Renovations are also starting at:
- Croixdale in Bayport, Minn.
- EagleCrest, Roseville, Minn. — common spaces only
- Presbyterian Homes of Bloomington, Minn.
- Walnut Ridge in Ankeny, Iowa
- Waverly Gardens, North Oaks, Minn.
More communities are in the pipeline for the months and years ahead.
A commitment to stewardship and purposeful living
PHS community renovations are designed to meet the demands of the aging population. The upgrades in interior design and amenities transform the community’s appearance and function, all geared toward fostering social connections that help older adults live life to the fullest.
“Renovations address more than the upkeep of our properties. It is part of our ongoing commitment to stewardship, the environment and, most of all, the lives of the residents,” Dustin explains.
Lisa Fleckenstein, campus administrator at Avalon Square, confirms this commitment. “It is so important to ensure that we’re taking care of all of the gifts that we have in our community. The physical structure is a gift as well, and so we need to not just maintain it, but make sure that it enhances and enriches our mission to older adults,” she said.
Lisa described the project at Avalon Square, which began on the upper floor apartments and moved down each level. Every independent living apartment, assisted living apartment, and memory care suite has been completed. As the apartment renovations were wrapping up, the project shifted to the community spaces with updated colors, furnishings, flooring and lighting. “We retained what is special about the building and just enhanced it overall. It still feels like Avalon Square in character, but now it’s much lighter and brighter and has a fresh, new updated look and feel throughout,” she said.
Keeping community character
“Keeping the essential character of the building is a high priority,” said Dustin. “Each of our communities has a unique character. Avalon Square was formerly a hotel. Waverly Gardens is styled as an English country manor. Boutwells Landing reflects the history of the St. Croix Valley. We’re going to stay true to the architectural character of the building, but we’re going to modernize it and update it, not only to reflect current trends in interior design, but also to meet current environmental standards and efficiencies in the building systems throughout.”
Such infrastructure upgrades include HVAC, energy efficient windows, LED lighting, modernized central kitchens, elevators, internet technology and campus-wide security systems. “We take a holistic approach and consider how people live and work in the building,” Dustin said.
Employees benefit too
Improvements also provide working environments that attract and retain talented employees. Remodeled and relocated reception areas make the community more welcoming and efficient. Workstations are repositioned to give the clinical staff better proximity to residents in care settings. Reconfigured office space helps the management staff coordinate and align their work and the work of their teams.
Lisa and the staff took it all in with joy. “It was so fun to watch the staff during the renovations,” she said. “We were simply putting some fresh paint and new carpet in the corridors. I would see the staff, the smiles and light in their eyes, and hear them say ‘Wow, this is beautiful!’”
So worth it!
The renovation process can be challenging for the community. There is noise, debris and inconveniences at times that test the patience of residents and staff alike. But the rewards are greater. Dustin says, “Residents are excited, but they’re also concerned because change is disruptive. It messes with their routines for a little bit.” He acknowledges how important regular communication is before and during the project so that people will know what and when things are happening.
At Avalon Square residents and staff alike took it all in stride and tolerated the inconveniences with patience — eager for the end result. Lisa said, “There was so much positive energy about the work that was being done. The renovations team and the contractors that were on site were excellent to work with. The contractors were so respectful and really looking out for residents at every turn, from their safety to just being friendly.
“Towards the end of the project, the Resident Council presented the contractor team with a letter of appreciation and some sweet treats for them to enjoy because they were so grateful for the hard work and they were so thrilled with the results,” she said.
Buildings updated, lives enriched
The results have made a positive impact on life at Avalon Square. “Improving our dining room, fitness room and multi-purpose rooms helps our residents thrive and continue to enjoy a vibrant lifestyle,” said Lisa. She says that it’s satisfying to learn how residents are finding more reasons to gather and enjoy the many benefits of a social community. “Social engagement – whether that’s sharing a meal with friends, group fitness classes, or movie nights – is a vital component to our residents’ physical, cognitive and emotional wellbeing,” she said.
Kathryn wholeheartedly agrees. “I’m a real proponent of community living. The ability to just step outside your door and have a have a word with a neighbor, play cards or just have a drink together— I’m convinced it’s the way to live. The real benefit is all the activities that are so stimulating. That’s so good for us to keep our minds working.”
Kathryn’s and Lisa’s perspective is backed by solid research. A recent study from NORC, the research center at the University of Chicago, demonstrates that older adults who live at senior living communities are less vulnerable to declining health outcomes and live longer than those in private settings. It highlights how nutrition, fitness and social engagement are critical factors for health outcomes of seniors. It also noted how the physical environment they live in supports Purposeful living.
Kathryn says that she doesn’t have enough words to describe how the community feels now. “Even when I walk down the halls, it’s all so fresh and new. It has a kind of energy that makes me feel young!” she exclaims.
Find out how senior living at a PHS community can enrich your life or the life of someone you know.
