As sobering as the thought might be, it's a reality that some of today's contemporary retirement residences look great in and out, but lack a distinct personality.
That lack of personality can be attributed to a variety of factors, such as bland interior decor, mediocre floor plans, and, unfortunately, staff who are there simply to earn a paycheque.
Though the goal was to make The Landing at Riverwood Square, located at 1778 Pembina Hwy. in Fort Garry, a striking yet functional 55-plus retirement residence, a second (and not secondary) goal was to make the residents feel valued and welcomed.
"Our ownership group wanted to take a different approach to that of other residences -- they want to focus in on hospitality," general manager Trevor Digby says. "They want us to take care of the people here. To that end, they've empowered us as employees to lend a personal touch to everything we do. In the long run, that focus -- going the extra mile in everything we do -- is what will set us apart."
The focus on hospitality doesn't mean the complex and suites don't have a personality of their own. Wide hallways, high ceilings, cultured-stone detailing and ceramic-tile flooring make for a complex that's easy to navigate. And with all kinds of big glass placed at every conceivable angle, the interior is bright and welcoming.
However, it's the subtle touches that tell you a lot of thought was put into designing the complex, which backs onto mature forest and the scenic Red River.
"The owner, Juraj Bonha, was also involved deeply in its design. Take the landing area, for example -- it has a big sitting area with lots of windows, plus a bar area with an etched-glass wall dividing it from the hallway. That was Juraj's own touch, a design feature that flows right into the formal dining room. The residents are really enjoying those little touches, which includes a baby grand piano in the dining room as well."
Another major focus was providing a retirement residence in an area where, until The Landing was built to replace a seniors' home that formerly occupied the site, there really were no retirement residences to choose from.
"Before we built the complex here, there was literally nothing in Fort Garry," Digby says. "Now that we're here, people are coming back to the area, an area that many people had to leave to go into other residences in different parts of the city. The location here is outstanding -- it's near the river, with trails in back, plus shopping and all kinds of amenities are next door in St. Vital."
Granted, location and interior amenities are important -- The Landing has a hair salon, workout rooms, a movie theatre, library and all kinds of sitting areas where residents can repair to chat or read a book -- but all is for nought if the place doesn't feel like home.
Those looking for thoughtfully designed, well-finished suites available in a variety of sizes and floor plans will be relieved to know that The Landing scores high in that area, too.
The display unit viewed -- in this case, the Aspen, a 594 sq. ft., one bedroom suite -- stood out due to several design features: a trio of floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room that made for a bright, habitable space, a spacious bathroom with huge soaker tub and adjacent low-stepover shower stall, and a kitchen that had lots of cabinet space, plus enough space to accommodate a table and chairs.
"Again, that's Juraj's input," Digby says. "There are big windows in the living room and bedroom to maximize natural light, and the bathroom is large (with railing), so that it's highly functional and navigable. There are also dark oak veneer cabinets in the kitchen to offer warmth and a nice colour contrast. Room was also left over for placement of a table and chairs."
Though some might take issue with the fact that there's no stove, there's a reason behind that, he adds.
"There's a small fridge and microwave in the kitchen, but no stove, which some residents initially wondered about. There are two reasons behind that thinking: Three meals are served daily, and, most of all, we don't want people sitting in their rooms all day. We want them to be active and enjoy the feel of living in a vibrant community."
With roomy, well-appointed suites, a well-laid-out complex that offers a wide range of amenities and services, central location and a highly hospitable staff, The Landing at Riverwood Square (now about 25 per cent full; it opened in early June) is a viable option for active seniors looking for style, independence and personalized service.
The Landing at Riverwood Square
1778 Pembina Hwy.
Price: Month-by-month units starting at $1,915 per month (one bedroom, all-inclusive)
Bedrooms: 1- and 2-bedroom units
Floor Plans: 1 bedroom: 6 styles; 2 bedroom: 3 styles
Size: 552 sq. ft. to 912 sq. ft., depending on floor plan
Bathrooms: 1 to 2, depending on unit
Contact: General manager Trevor Digby at 275-7632
Key Features: Spacious complex with wide hallways, high ceilings and tons of large windows; lots of bright sitting/games areas; elegant formal dining room; movie theatre.
