Vermilion Development—a Chicago based firm that specializes in creating places where people live, work, and thrive—invited HED to design a high-quality, sustainable, and affordable assisted living facility that is welcoming and a home-like environment to its residents.

It started with the site. Positioning the building in such a way to create a landscape buffer between a smaller scale residential community to the west and an unknown future development site to the east. Next came texture and subtle color changes on the façade; blending the building into both the suburban and rural fabric of Michigan City, Indiana. Inside, residents and guests are welcomed in by a two-story foyer followed by hotel-like designed amenity spaces including residential lounges, creative space, and activity rooms, all to cultivate social interactions. Even a wellness suite with salon, fitness center and physical therapy room provide additional community connections. The formal dining room brings the outside in with its open views and access to a patio overlooking a landscaped courtyard.

Anticipating NGBS Certification, the result is a four-story, amenity rich, hotel-like, assisted living facility where residents can age in place with comfort, support and peace of mind.