2018 RSH Awards

February 28, 2018
by Lisa VanMansum

Rockwood Retirement Communities receives three awards for The Summit at Rockwood South Hill

Spokane Wash

Rockwood Retirement Communities is pleased to announce that they have recently received three awards relating to The Summit at Rockwood South Hill. Building contractor Walker Construction, architects Perkins Eastman and NAC Architecture, and landscape architect/designer SPVV Landscape Architects were also recognized for the project. Awards received include:

The Summit Tower project, more than 10 years in the making, opened in March 2016 and is more than 95 percent occupied. In response to increased demand for independent living, Rockwood South Hill embarked on this construction project to repurpose the campus by building an 11-story high-rise in the middle of its 90-acre campus, along with main floor renovations of the original 7-story building known as The Ridge. The Summit and all main floor renovations were focused on our holistic philosophy called LiveWell which embraces eight dimensions of wellness, helping seniors stay physically and psychologically healthy. The architect incorporated biophilic design principles through design attributes that include sensory, acoustics, light, color, natural ventilation, spatial forms, textures, and views of nature to support our values: vitality, well-being, and our LiveWell wellness dimensions.

The jurors of the 2017 AIA Design For Aging Review commented, “The Summit at Rockwood South Hill is a strong independent living element that complements and enhances an existing campus.
The jury particularly liked the curvilinear corridor through the amenity spaces. That element of the design opened up different views around each bend and linked the amenity spaces in a seamless and relaxed flow.”

Prior to the start of the project, Perkins Eastman met with our residents to determine which elements to incorporate in the biophilic design. A formal survey was then conducted again in September 2017 to see how the residents feel now about the elements as they go about their daily lives. Environments for Aging made a special point to recognize this effort and the attention paid to biophilic design in this before/after study to determine whether it had been successful.

The Summit allowed us to usher in a new dining program supported by three new dining venues, as well as outdoor dining space. As noted by the National Association of Home Builders, “There has been a notable increase in the level of activity in the dining program. Residents are dining longer, utilizing venues during non-traditional hours, and inviting guests in more often.” The menus are diverse and include rotating “Homestyle” and “Fresh Sheet” menus, which respond to resident suggestions and allow the chefs to creatively express their culinary skills.

We are honored that our thoughtful approach to this project has been recognized in the awards given by these organizations, but our greatest achievement is knowing that our residents are delighted to call Rockwood South Hill home.

Rockwood Retirement Communities promote independence, wellness and lifelong vitality by providing housing and services to seniors, with a commitment to excellence. Rockwood Retirement Communities owns and operates Rockwood South Hill, Rockwood Hawthorne, and Appleway Court.

The Summit offers 65 independent luxury apartment homes, and this project included the addition of main floor amenities for all residents which include multiple dining options, a wellness center, art studio, library, theater, and event center.

For more information, contact Alan Curryer, President and CEO.

2903 E. 25^th Ave.
Spokane, WA 99223
509-536-6650