Project category: New construction (completed September 2005)

Chief administrator: Pam Klingfus, Campus Administrator, (952) 948-3000

Firms: Encompass Interiors, (651) 646-6600; KKE Architects, Inc., (612) 336-4200

Design team: Gregory A. Woollums, AIA, Principal (KKE Architects, Inc.); Interior Design (Encompass Interiors)

Photography: Philip Prowse

Total building area (sq. ft.): 163,840

Construction cost/sq. ft.: $130

Total construction cost (excluding land): $21,263,290

The Bloomington Care Center at Gideon Pond project entailed adding a new three-story, state-of-the-art skilled nursing facility and central core to Gideon Pond, an existing continuing care retirement community located just outside Minneapolis.

While introducing copper-clad circular elements, the new addition blends seamlessly into the existing structure by maintaining the current scale and incorporating traditional red brick, gabled roofs, and white trim.

The design team used a holistic care concept to create a calm environment that promotes the healing of the mind, body, and spirit. The creative use of organic shapes, colors, textures, and stones helps residents connect with the outdoors.

A “Tree of Life” located in the new main campus entry symbolizes growth and reaches through all three levels, visually anchoring and unifying the campus. The core also provides access to a wellness center with a warm-water pool, casual family dining room, and fixed-seat cinema used for entertainment and education.

Skilled nursing floors are divided into two circular neighborhoods, each of which houses 10 residents. Open caregiving and dining areas create a spacious, free-flowing atmosphere. The floor plan also reduces the distance residents travel and eliminates long, double-loaded corridors.

Single-occupancy resident rooms feature kitchenettes, large windows with seats, and private bathrooms. Each room can accommodate assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing residents.

By emphasizing privacy, dignity, and community, the Bloomington Care Center at Gideon Pond offers a new approach to specialized care for today’s changing senior markets.