Design Strategy

The new center, built on 4.46 acres of land in a residential neighborhood, replaced its previous home in an outdated strip mall. The design revolves around multipurpose space for daily meals and special events, flanked by classrooms, a library, a computer room and adjacent outdoor seating decks. Natural materials, clear acoustics, daylighting, user-friendly wayfinding, and universal principals for accessibility formed the basis of design. The structure is exposed, revealing a variety of colors, textures and spaces for small visits or large events. Sustainable components include: 40 kW solar array, recycled materials, light & temperature sensors, pervious paving at the parking lot and shade from over 108 native trees. The stage area located in the main interior gathering space also opens to the exterior along the east entry courtyard for large events during the temperate months. Home to an expanding senior community, the Helen Drake Senior Center design strives to inspire connections: person-to-person, inside-to-out, and whole-to-part.