Continuing Education

Project Summary

Type of Facility/Setting: Continuing Care Retirement Community

Owner: The University of Alabama, (800) 799-5099

Chief Administrator: Deborah Price, Executive Director, (205) 248-0028

Architecture and Interiors: FreemanWhite, (704) 586-2397

Photography: ©2007 John Warner

Resident Capacity: 103 Apartments, 40 Cottages, 13-unit Assisted Living, and a 16-unit Dementia Wing (The Sara Barger Health Center)

Total Project Area (sq.ft.): 225,000

Construction Costs: $30,000,000

Cost/Sq. Ft.: $133

As we further our own understanding of aging and the best models for senior living, we find residents in communities like Capstone Village that are doing some learning of their own. Emerging as not only an amenity, but one of the components necessary for balancing the psychological and social needs of aging adults, “lifelong learning” opportunities promote wellness in a variety of ways. From its inception, Capstone Village has been committed to the teaching, research, and service mission of the University of Alabama. An academic advisory committee consisting of the deans of Family Medicine, Nursing, and Social Work ensure that active residents’ individualized wellness programs include choices to audit or register for courses at the university under the coordination of the university’s College of Continuing Education. Residents are also encouraged to engage in volunteer activities on the campus.

Regional vernacular is reflected in the design of Capstone Village, drawing from the architecture of the university campus and the colonial and Greek Revival architectural styles of Alabama. The overall design and organizing principle of the retirement community campus is based on the traditional collegiate quadrangle, with its apartments and common spaces surrounding a square with formal walkways and landscaping further defining the courtyard. From its hilltop perch overlooking the campus, residents are steeped in the culture and proud heritage of The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, while they enjoy first-class amenities and services, a Grand Clubhouse, a choice of dining venues, concierge services, a woodworking shop, health maintenance, and rehabilitation therapy, wellness, and fitness programs.

The partnership with The University Medical Center ensures Capstone Village access to top nursing students, gerontology interns, new research, and information to remain on the cutting edge of assisted living and specialized care. Together, these powerful resources ensure that each and every resident of Capstone Village-regardless of independence level-is living every day to his or her fullest potential and experiencing an enjoyable quality of life.

I Advance Senior Care

I Advance Senior Care is the industry-leading source for practical, in-depth, business-building, and resident care information for owners, executives, administrators, and directors of nursing at assisted living communities, skilled nursing facilities, post-acute facilities, and continuing care retirement communities. The I Advance Senior Care editorial team and industry experts provide market analysis, strategic direction, policy commentary, clinical best-practices, business management, and technology breakthroughs.

I Advance Senior Care is part of the Institute for the Advancement of Senior Care and published by Plain-English Health Care.