Messiah Lifeways – Bailey Street Apartments

Converting Personal Care to Middle Market Apartments

Bailey Street Apartments respond to common challenges senior living sponsors are facing—rightsizing community census and extending services to the middle market.  This small project makes a big impact by transforming a decommissioned personal care neighborhood that has not been in use since 2020.

Bailey Street is a small neighborhood of 13 rental apartments. A controlling factor when considering which units could be combined was the imperative to maintain existing plumbing locations to help keep project costs down. The design result is 11 one-bedroom units ranging from 478 to 551 square feet.  There is also an 826 square foot two-bedroom and one 260 square foot studio apartment.

Residents have the option of a typical entrance fee plan or a pilot, “Asset Preservation Plan,” a higher monthly fee plan that embeds the entrance fee in the monthly cost for individuals with more limited assets.  Both options allow residents to have access to the full continuum of care offered by Messiah Lifeways.

Middle Market Residences

Working entirely “inside the box,” the design team created open floor plans to make “not-so-big” living spaces comfortable, accessible and market-friendly.  Wood-pattern luxury vinyl plank was used throughout the apartments to increase the perceived scale and provide a durable and stylish finish. The kitchen layouts were carefully considered to respond to consumer expectations for full-size equipment and storage. The bathroom showers help to save space while enhancing accessibility.

Common Spaces

Due to the modest square footage of the apartments and to promote a sense of community among the residents, Bailey Street has shared living spaces including a large great room. The kitchen and oversized island promote casual daily interactions as residents gather for shared or individual meal preparations. We maintained, but updated, features such as built-in casework and a fireplace. The ground floor location is also convenient for residents living in other areas of the campus to access the new media room and multi-purpose venue.