Overview

DiGiorgio Associates Inc., a LiRo Group company, provided another caregiving option for residents of Lowell and its surrounding communities when it designed a new assisted living and memory care residence for D’Youville Life & Wellness Community.

About the Project

DAI provided architecture, engineering and interior design services for this new building to include 45 units of supportive assisted living and 15 units of memory care for residents with early memory loss. The building entrance brings residents and visitors into a central community space that includes a reception area, lobby, cafe/parlor, dining room, and community enrichment. The first-floor north wing of supportive care includes 19 resident units, a wellness center, and other support functions. The second floor of the supportive care wing includes 26 resident units, chapel, fitness room, great room, and other support functions.

The first-floor south wing includes shared functions located between the two residences such as servery, staff room, and a hair salon as well as the memory care residence. This wing has secured access and contains 15 studio units along with rooms for dining, the kitchen, family/living space, reading, art, and sunroom. Residents here have access to a private and secure outdoor garden space.

Previously, DAI completed a 13,000 square-foot Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) facility joint venture with Fallon Health and D’Youville in 2016.

Project Challenges & Solutions

Challenges included site constraints, a mixed program (memory care, assisted living, and outpatient rehabilitation) and a tight budget. DAI’s expertise ensured all of these challenges were met.

Outcome

This project was completed on time and on budget. Construction began in August 2014 and was complete in October 2015. There are 60 total units – 15 memory care units and 45 supportive Assisted Living units – and all are occupied.