Colorado Real Estate Journal - June 15, 2016
Pinkard Construction Co. recently broke ground on Sunny Vista’s new assisted living and memory care project, the Retreat at Sunny Vista, in Colorado Springs. The Retreat at Sunny Vista is a $10.5 million building, designed by Lantz-Boggio Architects. It will be two stories containing 66 units (including 38 units of assisted living and a 28-unit special care neighborhood for memory-impaired residents) and 55,000 square feet, featuring a therapy gym, full kitchen and dining room and secure courtyard. “The architectural image for The Retreat at Sunny Vista is based upon a classic modern design concept founded in the principles of midcentury modern housing,” said architect Dennis Boggio. “Major design features incorporated into the project and consistent with this style of architecture include large, open floor plan areas, large glass areas that connect to outdoor spaces and low-sloped, prairie-style roofs with exposed structural beams. This style is consistent with many of the ranch homes that were built in Colorado Springs in the midcentury.” According to Boggio, “Industry studies indicate that longterm care residents have better health and satisfaction outcomes in nonmedical, noninstitutional environments. The architecture is in direct response to these industry studies.” The classic housing image and details of the design were established in order to provide a nonmedical, familiar residential persona for the project and to reinforce the character and image of home and family, continued Boggio. Amenity spaces within the building were also designed to invite family members into the community and into the daily life activities and lifestyle of residents. The site is across the street from Sunny Vista Living Center’s current skilled-nursing community, constructed by Pinkard in 2012. The Retreat at Sunny Vista will be built on the site of its original building, which operated from 1911 until 2012. Pinkard, which is no stranger to senior living projects, has built 25 in the past 10 years. “A contractor who regularly builds senior living is aware not only of the latest code requirements, but will also know how they are interpreted and applied in various jurisdictions,” said Pinkard’s Derek Stathis. “These code requirements greatly affect the design of senior communities and touch virtually every facet of construction. Further complicating the picture is the fact that these codes and their interpretation and application are in near constant flux as this market sector continues to change and grow.” Cappella Living Solutions will provide management and operation services. Lantz-Boggio has completed 62 senior living and care projects in Colorado during the last 10 years.