E28 – The Seven Deadly Sins of Senior Living Bar Design: What Not to Do (and How to Do It Better)

For a variety of economic reasons, today there is a surplus of underutilized buildings. At the same time, seniors are living longer, resulting in greater housing need. Combined, these trends make it intuitive to convert existing buildings to senior living. For one, environments rich in diversity and architectural character are inherently stimulating. Second, aged buildings, like people, are not obsolete and have valuable stories to tell. Third, existing buildings in walkable environments allow people to “age in place” with the best amenity—the city—close at hand.   For developers, renovation can often be less expensive than the cost of new development. Preserving existing buildings conserves both land and embodied carbon, and, in historic buildings, tax credits can offset development costs.   Finally, reusing existing buildings—while not without challenges—allows a deeper connection to residents, tapping into personal histories with familiar details and spaces with a resonance that can positively contribute to residents’ cognitive health.  Inspīr Embassy Row is a case study that shows how a historic building was transformed into a new senior living facility that combines the best qualities of residential, hospitality, and healthcare—proving that, for residents and building alike, the best years are still to come.

The largest underserved segment of America's aging population resides in the middle market and affordable housing tiers/groups frequently overlooked by conventional development models. This session features speakers sharing firsthand insights into two innovative approaches addressing these gaps: one serving middle-income seniors, the other utilizing Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) to reach individuals earning 60% or less of the area median income. The discussion will explore how thoughtful design, strategic financing, and operational innovation intersect to create accessible, dignified housing for these underserved populations. Attendees will gain insight into how these models have been financed, developed, designed, and operated and how lessons from open and operating communities are shaping future projects. With a spotlight on the power of programming and design to elevate affordability without sacrificing quality, this session challenges architects and designers to rethink their role in creating inclusive, sustainable communities for aging adults across the economic spectrum.

Kitchens are at the heart of person-directed care in small household models but designing them to meet both regulatory requirements and resident expectations is a complex challenge. This session explores how to create durable, compliant, and truly home-like kitchens that support meaningful engagement and fresh food preparation. Learn how to navigate code compliance without sacrificing aesthetics, integrate commercial-grade durability with residential charm, and design culinary spaces that invite elder participation while concealing institutional elements. Real-world insights will guide you through achieving operational excellence without compromising the heart-of-the-home feel.