APRIL 20-MAY 3, 2016
SECTION B
S
enior housing is
residences designed
for people 55 and
older. These residences
can be single-family homes,
apartments, condominiums or
townhomes. The demand for
such housing has expanded
significantly with the explosive
growth of the baby boomer
generation entering this phase
of their lives. These residents
are typically active individuals
or couples who do not require
assistance or extended health
care. They enjoy entertaining
and social opportunities, enjoy
the outdoors and would prefer
a small yard for their dog or
gardening. They have raised
their families and enjoy the
occasional extended visit of
their grandchildren.
n
Downsizing.
The traditional
5,000-square-foot family home
feels too large or they wish to
engage in travel or activities and
do not want to maintain such a
large residence. Whatever the
reasons, they are looking to
downsize. But downsize does
not have to equal compromise.
How much space is required?
The active senior desires a
smaller living space without
sacrificing the residence’s
aesthetic design and functional
adjacencies. They want their
private suite(s) and desire a
home office area away from
the public. There should be
a multifunctional/guest suite.
Most active seniors still drive
their own cars they require a
minimum of a two-car garage
and would prefer a three-
car garage. Seniors tend to
accumulate possessions and
need storage space. These are
just some spaces to consider
and they want this in a 1,500-
to 2,500-sf residence that is
accessible on one level.
n
Access.
Barrier-free access
design concepts should be
utilized, when feasible, at
the main and garage entry
locations. Zero steps, or the
use of ramps when needed,
should be used to access the
main door and the garage
entry door. Zero-step access
also should be utilized to the
outdoor entertainment area.
All accessible entry doorways
should be a minimum of 36
inches in width and use lever-
handled hardware. Swing-
action doors provide less of
a threshold transition and
are easier to operate. Sliding-
door thresholds may require
recessing or a custom-built
threshold transition to allow
for wheelchair access. However,
sliding doors can be difficult
for the physically impaired
to operate. Maintain exterior
deck or patio materials to
minimize slip hazard. Access to
gardens or yards needs to be
ramped or zero steps. Provide
raised planting beds with firm
walkways and ledges for seating.
The owners’ suite (private)
should always be accessible from
the main floor or by use of a lift
or elevator if located on a floor
above or below the main floor.
Allow for access around the
bed and maintain clear paths to
the bathroom and closet areas.
The shower should be roll-in
compatible or a step-in tub.
Allow for a 30-inch-by-48-inch
floor space at toilet and shower/
tub to assist in transferring
from the mobility device. At a
T
ourism is one of the
strongest economic
drivers for the state
of Colorado and thrives as a
multibillion-dollar industry
that supports some 150,000
jobs and contributes close to
a billion dollars in local and
state tax revenues. According
to Longwoods International’s
latest report on Colorado
tourism, the state has retained a
significant lead over others as a
ski destination, capturing more
than 20 percent of all overnight
ski trips nationwide. So, how
do commercial developers in
seasonal resort destinations
continue to drive the best
value for their businesses, the
communities in which they
are developing and the guests
who are supporting these
developments?
Mountain resort operators
are focused on doing what
they do best – managing
and enhancing ski area
infrastructure and service. As
mountain resort operations
continue to become more
business-savvy, on-mountain
investments increase – from new
and more efficient chairlifts to
support robust skier visitation to
investments in summer activities
that will generate new jobs and
help support a much healthier
year-round economy. Mountain
Keith Moore
Architect, RMG – Rocky Mountain
Group, Colorado Springs
James O’Donnell
Senior vice president and chief
operating officer, Vail Resorts
Hospitality & Real Estate, Denver
The Mountain Shadows community in Colorado Springs is one of RMG’s
senior projects.
Photos courtesy Vail Resorts
Mixed-use projects, such as Arrabelle at Vail Resorts, at the base of mountain resorts are designed to revitalize
underutilized areas and create revenue streams and options for visitors through lodging, dining and retail.
