A unique architectural project is sparking excitementin the Midwest healthcare market—the Mishawaka Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living Facility. Construction has already begun on the project, resulting from a design collaboration between partners Mainstreet Property Group, LLC, and Indianapolis, Ind.-based A/E firm American Structurepoint.

Since July 2011, the team has worked together to innovate the layout and atmosphere of a “typical” senior assisted living community. The facility, which will total just under 67,000 sft, will include a rehabilitation area, space for massage/spa treatments, a salon, resident dining facilities, private rooms, a pub/café, a community room, and inhabitant skilled nursing and assisted living wings. The team aims to change the current opportunities provided to seniors for the purpose of rehabilitation and long-term care. With the expertise of American Structurepoint’s Architectural Group, the facility will convey an inviting aesthetic for visitors and inhabitants of the building.

The interior of the building is meant to evoke sensory memories and connections to “Main Street USA”—the sights and smells you get from walking down any small town street in America. The design team has in part accomplished this by suggesting the utilization of glass that allows ample day-lighting into the building and creates a warm glow at night. In addition, stone veneer and decorative trim pieces will accent selected features, while overhangs and canopies will be provided at the heavily traveled main entrance.

Mishawaka is the first of several assisted living projects the firms are working on together. In addition to having completed designs and construction drawings on the facility, located on the SBO Elm Road Medical Campus, American Structurepoint is also providing construction administration on this particular job. The construction of Mishawaka is expected to reach completion by 2013.