Best Active Adult Design of 2023: Maintenance-Free ‘Midwestern Charm’ in Ohio
The baby boomers are seeking close-knit community ties and their own space, a combination not often found. However, in Dayton, Ohio, Treplus offers just that with Dogwood Commons, an active adult community located within a mixed-use development.
The 110-unit community, surrounded by a Costco, Cabela’s and Kroger, provides private entrances, luxury features, and ample hosting space. Dogwood Commons aims to fulfill the downsizing needs of older adults while maintaining a close connection to loved ones and a maintenance-free lifestyle.
With a design that infuses rustic charm with a contemporary touch, Dogwood Commons offers single-story luxury apartments ranging from 1,200 to 1,600 square feet. Amenities include “The Commons” community center and a garden for residents. The community’s thoughtful design earned it the top spot in the 2023 Senior Housing News Architecture & Design Awards’ “Best Active Adult” category.
The Concept
The journey to bring Dogwood Commons to fruition began in 2018 when Treplus CEO Jane Arthur Roslovic scouted for the company’s next endeavor. The location, adjacent to a large apartment complex, was situated in a master-planned development called Cornerstone of Centerville. The site’s proximity to Dayton, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, green spaces, and shopping destinations was the perfect match Treplus had hoped for.
Collaborating with Archall Architects, the team created an artful layout that embraced the natural topography while providing spacious single-story apartments, private patios, and designer finishes. The community’s construction faced delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but with persistence, Rockford Homes completed the project only a few months behind schedule.
The Completion
Today, Dogwood Commons stands as a testament to Treplus’ innovative active adult model, reflecting universal design principles and luxurious amenities. The 5,000 square foot community center “The Commons” serves as a unifying hub, offering a variety of facilities to enrich residents’ lives – a key factor in the project’s successful pre-lease of 30% of its units.
With the achievements of Dogwood Commons, Treplus is set to replicate its success in other regions with high growth potential, including Cincinnati, Ohio, and Indianapolis, Indiana. The community’s full occupancy for its first phase of construction exemplifies the demand for such lifestyle-focused communities and sets the stage for future expansion.
