Herman Gibans Fodor, Inc. ‘ Architects, Kemper House Mentor

Facility Contact: Betty J. Kemper, President

Firm: Herman Gibans Fodor, Inc. ‘ Architects, (216) 696-3460

Design Team: James G. Herman, AIA, Managing Principal; David P. DiFrancesco, AIA, Principal-in-Charge; Robert W. Shearer, Project Manager; Angela Manne, Project Manager

Photography: William Webb, Infinity Studio

Resident Capacity: 44

Space/Resident (sq. ft.): 717

Total Area (sq. ft.): 31,500

Total Cost (excluding land): $3.6 million (including site work)

Cost/Sq. Ft.: $114

Completion: August 2001

A marketable residential image that would appeal to residents and families was desired. Exterior design elements include a welcoming front porch, residential siding and trim, a stone base and an asphalt-shingled gable roof. The main entrance is a two-story hall with a grand staircase and living room.

The 44 efficient, yet attractive, resident units are arranged in two neighborhoods of 22. Each neighborhood contains its own dining room, family room, spa and staff service spaces. Studio units have distinct living and sleeping areas. The private units have their own bath and tea kitchen; the semiprivate units have separate sleeping areas with shared bath and tea kitchen. All resident rooms have wheel-in showers.

The courtyard configuration minimizes perceived corridor length, and the corridor is designed as a streetscape, with front porches at each unit entrance, kitchen windows and seating areas. A circulation system with streetscape, front porches and seating areas provides varied wandering experiences.

To allow residents to age in place, this building is designed to nursing home licensure standards, and private units can be converted to semiprivate nursing rooms.