Project Location
Wilmington, North Carolina
Project Type
All-Inclusive Community & Wellness Center
Size
25,000 SF
Client
The Davis Community
Services
Architecture / Interior Design
Photography
Awards
EFA Design Showcase 2024 - Honorable Mention
Award-Winning Senior Wellness Design by LB/A and ID
Located in the heart of the community lies the Wellness & Community Center called “The Promenade,” connecting the cottages, “The Residences” Independent Living building, and open green spaces. Amenities are not just for the residents but also the surrounding residential community, providing multiple dining venues, a full-service spa and salon, an event center, a cinema, and a comprehensive fitness program with a gym, pool, and individual PT rooms. Key components of the active lifestyle at The Davis Community are lively social interactions and numerous dining options, both equally important elements for health and fulfillment.
The program for The Davis Community’s expansion originated based on input from feasibility studies, the community’s desire for outreach, the geometry of the site, and input for LB/A on best practices. The community members also helped inspire the design by voicing the desire for Low-Country Traditional architecture as seen in nearby developments and residential beach architecture.
While many senior communities talk about intergenerational engagement, The Davis Community has it fully integrated into their business model. Upon expansion, the community saw an opportunity to bring convenient amenities to the entire surrounding community. Opened in June 2023, the fitness center has around 1,500 members, including residents, staff, and neighbors. This has the dual effect of supporting the gym financially and integrating Davis into the community.
Staff and resident engagement are critical success factors in the culture of a community and how a community like Davis can influence for many years to come. Davis used a two-part approach with the building to help with staff engagement. First, they chose to prioritize staff spaces with a large sunlit breakroom and staff relaxation areas. Second, shared amenities such as the gym, salon, restaurants, and amphitheater benefit staff health and create opportunities for building relationships with residents.
The Davis Community has won the 2024 ASID Crystal Award for Best Multifamily Project and the 2024 efa Design Showcase for Best of 55+ Housing. See our most recent award-winning projects here!