Wind Crest Unveils the Renovation of Town Center Clubhouse

Wind Crest, an Erickson Senior Living community in Highlands Ranch, Colo., recently unveiled renovations to Town Center, the community's first clubhouse. As a result of these efforts, residents now enjoy updates to the Fireside restaurant and library, a new golf simulator, an expansion of the Medical Center waiting room, the addition of a CVS Pharmacy®, and technological enhancements.

"When it comes to senior living, I think it's always important to watch the continued evolution in design and make sure that the community feels up to date," says Executive Director Craig Erickson. "As Wind Crest neared its 17th anniversary, we wanted to give our first neighborhood the same contemporary feel as our newer spaces. This renovation incorporates modern concepts and design into our Town Center Clubhouse."

Throughout the process, Erickson and his staff members ensured that Wind Crest residents were kept informed. They held meetings to share plans and ask for feedback.

"Just as one example, we heard that our original artwork proposal was a little too southwestern and didn't have enough of a mountain feel, so we shifted the interior colors and artwork based on the residents' feedback," says Erickson.

"Wind Crest management really listens to resident feedback," says resident Dan McPherson. "That's extremely important to us because it shows how much our opinions matter."

Taste of the good life

The Town Center renovations include transforming the popular Fireside restaurant from one large dining space to two separate areas--the Fireside Restaurant and the Fireside Lounge. Booth seating and partitions were also added, while retaining the total capacity.

Sound-absorbent panels were added to improve the acoustics. Other modifications, such as artwork, which also absorb noise, make a difference that isn't only visual.

"Now, when the restaurant is really busy, this makes it easier for people to talk," says Erickson. "Everyone, especially residents with hearing loss, has a better overall experience."

By the book

These updates also include the remodel of the resident library. Now, rather than one enclosed space, the library encompasses two locations: one inside the Fireside Lounge and the second in the Town Center lobby.

"People like the library's new location and the fact that it is more open. It's beautiful and welcoming," says resident Anne Reck, a librarian by trade, who volunteers at the library.

New bookcases flank the fireplace in the Fireside Lounge, housing all of the library's large-print books. The downstairs portion of the library contains fiction books, paperbacks, and DVDs showcased in large bookcases, as well as a new media center complete with computers and televisions.

"The Fireside Lounge, in addition to housing part of the library, is available for medium-sized presentations for groups of up to 80 people," says Erickson. "We also have a projector and big screen, so residents can hold movie nights. In the summer, they can easily lower the newly added electronic shades to improve visibility."

The redesign of the library also makes room for a new campus CVS Pharmacy® store.

Teeing off indoors

Another exciting new feature at the Town Center Clubhouse is a golf simulator. Dan, an avid golfer, was among the residents who requested the new addition.

"We have pool tables, bocce ball, and pickleball. And now we have a golf simulator," he says. "It's another nice amenity to have here at Wind Crest!"

The simulator provides a basic driving range, perfect for anyone trying to improve their game. The golfer uses real golf clubs and balls, hitting as hard as they can at the screen. The simulator provides useful feedback, making it a great way to practice. It also simulates golf play, allowing up to four people the opportunity to "play" on different courses around the world.

"The simulator has so many great features and capabilities, and it is really helpful to people who want to practice," says Dan.

"A lot of residents like to work on their shots using the driving range function. I like to practice getting out of sand traps."

But there's another reason why the golf simulator is so valuable.

"Here in Colorado, people typically play golf outside only six or seven months each year. I usually play about every other week during the summer months," says Dan. "With the golf simulator, we can play golf or practice all year round. That's particularly beneficial!"

Fresh new beginning

As Wind Crest residents look forward to the new year, they embrace the new opportunities the repositioning of the Town Center Clubhouse provides to engage in favorite activities while socializing with neighbors.

"These major enhancements have made the Town Center clubhouse better for everyone," says Erickson.

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By Michele Wojciechowski