New Senior Living Center in New York will Focus on Dementia Support
By HCO Staff
MOUNT VERNON, N.Y.—Receiving city and community approval, Lehrer Cumming, a leading project management and construction owner advisory firm, kicked off construction on March 1 on the new 50,500-square-foot Berkemeier Living Center with the development team over at One Wartburg Place.
Already home to independent, assisted living, and award-winning nursing home care, the new Berkemeier Living Center will feature 64 state-of-the-art residences, 32 private and 32 semi-private, and will focus on providing resources to those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Providing project management and owner’s advisory services on behalf of Wartburg, Lehrer Cumming’s team members have been overseeing the specialized campus and its developments from the very beginning of its latest expansion, providing strategic guidance and hands-on construction management to ensure a superior facility is delivered to its soon-to-be-residents.
The Berkemeier Living Center residences will resemble small-scale households, providing an intimate and comfortable feel for the residents, staff, and families. Key planning elements such as short walking distances, oversized windows for increased natural light, and enhanced views are included in the design to help support a healing environment. Additionally, each household features its own living, dinning and kitchen space, as well as gathering spaces.
The first-floor lobby and Berkemeier Living Center gallery space will display elements of Wartburg’s rich history including Berkemeier artifacts from the original structure. The first level will also include an event space, music therapy room, and administrative space. This larger program will be supported with a healing garden at the rear yard with seating and community space.
The Berkemeier Living Center will also benefit from the nearby nursing, memory care, and rehabilitation centers on campus to accommodate resident needs.
“I recently read, that one in nine Americans 65 and older has Alzheimer’s disease and by 2050, the number will be upwards of 14 million in need of specialized care,” said Heather Fuhrman, project director at Lehrer Cumming. “Having the opportunity to work with Wartburg and this project team, to support families and caregivers navigating this disease has been a humbling and enriching experience.”
Wartburg offers residents an integrated spectrum of senior care services, including home care, rehabilitation, and assisted living services. The newest facility, specializing in dementia and Alzheimer and memory care will be nestled on a beautiful 34-acre campus with on-site security, Wartburg is located near lower Westchester close to community parks, fine dining, and a short car or train ride into New York City.
The new building was thoughtfully designed by KDA Architects with Consigli serving as the general contractor.
Wartburg President & CEO David Gentner said “It was a pleasure working with Lehrer-Cumming, KDA Architects, Consigli Construction, McLaren Engineering, and the many other members of Berkemeier design team. I believe collectively we are building a market leader residence for those suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementia.”