In recent years senior housing has experienced a variety of challenges. Many markets have become saturated and occupancy levels are lower than projected. To ensure success, a new facility must have faultless feasibility studies, an ideal location, imaginative planning and an excellent design. The Jason E. Purdy Company (JEPCO), of Norwich, Vermont, has incorporated all four to create Riverglen House, a highly innovative independent and assisted living community in Littleton, New Hampshire.

Two years of feasibility studies were conducted throughout northern New England before construction began. With feasibility criteria satisfied, JEPCO used their integrated community model to guide site selection. Key selection factors included proximity to town centers and easy access to local civic, cultural and professional resources and amenities. Also taken into consideration were ease of access, visibility, permitting requirements and duration, complexity of site development and cost.

The perfect location was found in Littleton, New Hampshire. A scenic 1.8-acre site on the Ammonoosuc River provided views of downtown and the river. With a senior center next door and ready access to thriving Main Street, Littleton, residents would be assured of a connection to the larger community.

A great many factors were brought into the design and construction pro-cesses. A primary consideration was JEPCO’s fundamental goal of offering middle and moderate-income individuals affordable, high quality care. Cost control and efficiency became key issues, impacting every facet of the project. For this reason, the decision was made to use modular construction, making it the largest modular building in New Hampshire.

Modular construction offered savings in both hard and soft costs, with shortened construction schedules, standardized delivery dates, heightened quality control and cost management. Other cost saving operating initiatives include energy efficient design, centralized services and bulk purchasing.

With the decision to move forward with modular construction made, JEPCO focused on design features. In keeping with company philosophy of maintaining regional planning goals, Riverglen House was designed to be compatible with the aesthetics of a small New England town. Using traditional Federal style architecture, the three-story building blends comfortably into the Littleton riverfront. Small but important features such as a four columned front porch, exterior dentil molding and a copper topped cupola complete with weathervane, give a warm residential feel to the building. Interior design elements, furnishings and decorations also reflect the traditional New England style.

Riverglen House’s basic design follows that of the JEPCO prototype senior community. With a gross floor area of 36,000 square feet and 50 apartments, Riverglen House is home to approximately 55 residents at full occupancy. The apartments are connected through a core common area of administrative, reception, dining, activity and service areas. Apartments range in size from studios to two bedrooms. Interior features reflect careful planning and innovative design. All apartments have 9-foot ceilings and large windows creating a more spacious feeling. Radiant heat and slightly raised windowsills allow for better use of wall space, an important feature when furnishing for residents who are downsizing from larger homes. Kitchenette and bathroom designs anticipate the needs of users who may be less mobile, with appropriate counter heights, drawer pulls and faucets. In keeping with the growing technology needs of today’s older adults, all apartments are wired for the Internet.