Agnew::Beck worked with
Cook Inlet Housing Authority (CIHA)
to develop a comprehensive wellness plan for residents living in Centennial Village, a senior housing community in East Anchorage. AB conducted stakeholder surveys and focus group meetings to inform a preliminary assessment of residents’ health status and interest in support services and activities as they age on campus. Based on these results AB created a campus master plan to guide physical improvements to the campus facilities; these were supplemented with recommendations for social and fitness programs to support healthy lifestyles. We learned that residents wanted to be able to get around campus more easily, indicating the need for changes in shuttle services and increased walkability among campus facilities. People also needed more reasons and natural places to socialize. While each residential building had community spaces, the campus as a whole had no community center where everyone felt welcome. Consequently, residents kept to their individual apartments and buildings. The master plan re-envisioned Centennial Village as a cohesive campus with increased connections among buildings, a mix of residential, community and retail uses, and a new campus center. The plan recommended renovating an existing building at the heart of the Centennial Village campus to create the “Centennial Center,” where residents can run errands, enjoy events and activities, and socialize. Cook Inlet has since implemented the master plan, making improvements to walking paths, several buildings, and renovations to create the Centennial Center. AB assisted CIHA with fundraising for the Centennial Center facility.
