The Grand Opening of St. Camillus East Residence Independent Living expansion this March completes the final phase of an ambitious, multi-building Life Plan Community in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, that supports a holistic, faith-based approach to senior living.
Designed by HGA in partnership with Gilbane Building Company, the 17-story tower with 168 customized apartments reflects four “pillars” at the heart of St. Camillus’s Life Plan Community:
- Culinary
- Wellness
- Fine Arts
- Spirituality
These four pillars blend together throughout the East Residence, providing a unique experience that invites residents out of their private apartments to gather as a community in shared spaces.
“HGA was challenged to create a destination, a place that stood out in its market but also felt like home and reflected the communities the residents were leaving behind,” said Andrew Lasca, Principal with HGA. “Our experience in healthcare design, housing, and religious projects reassured St. Camillus that our design would incorporate faith in a sensitive; that we understood the needs of the residents; and that quality, value, and attention to detail would create a high-end experiential residence.”
Through a series of interactive townhall meetings, the design team gathered feedback from residents, who generally were downsizing from their current home and seeking a place that offered healthcare services, lifestyle choices, social opportunities, and other amenities under one roof.
Common spaces reflect a modern aesthetic with warm wood tones, gentle contrasting colors, and sophisticated, natural textures. Residential materials provide a calming, timeless, and familiar environment.
Throughout, residents have multiple options for dining, fitness, entertainment, and spiritual enrichment supporting the four pillars.
Culinary choices including a commercial kitchen, open dining room, formal dining room, and upscale pub. The Wellness Center features a swimming pool and whirlpool, fitness equipment options, yoga and aerobics rooms, golf simulator, physical therapy center, clinic, and a health-education classroom. Fine arts include flexible spaces for different programming, such as space for resident galleries, musical performances, guest speakers and lecturers, and a theater. Finally, the light-filled chapel integrates preserved stained glass, antique stations of the cross, and monument stones from the campus’s original chapel.
“Great projects often start with a client who has a clear vision, a sense of purpose, and a dedication to improving the lives of those in the community they serve,” Lasca noted. “We couldn’t be prouder of the result and hope all the residents enjoy their new home.”
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For more information, visit St. Camillus.
About St. Camillus
As a not-for-profit, St. Camillus Life Plan Community is dedicated to providing quality and compassionate services to seniors. St. Camillus has been proudly serving southeastern Wisconsin for over 90 years.
About Gilbane Building Company
Gilbane is a global integrated construction and facility management services firm with strong roots in Southeast Wisconsin over the past 40+ years. Gilbane’s downtown Milwaukee office has been steadily growing in recent years. Gilbane has assembled an impressive portfolio of work, while staying true to our commitment of community partnerships, building capacity and safety excellence. Our extensive experience translates into a builder you can trust with valuable lessons learned and best practices on a variety building types including corporate, high-rise developments, industrial, food and beverage, education, hospitality and municipal, to name a few. Visit www.gilbaneco.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.
About HGA
HGA is a national interdisciplinary design firm committed to making a positive, lasting impact for our clients and communities through research-based, holistic solutions. As the second largest architectural firm in Wisconsin, we have proudly called Milwaukee home for the past 35 years and helped our clients create some of the most meaningful built spaces in the state. Our interdisciplinary team of almost 200 people includes specialists in architecture, engineering, interior design, design for energy and infrastructure, process engineering, and research. Our local and national practices span multiple markets, including corporate, cultural, education, local and federal government, healthcare, and science and technology. Visit HGA.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.