Age of Central Texas

AGE of Central Texas is a regional non-profit organization that provides education and support to aging persons and their caregivers through adult day health programs, memory care programs, and counseling. AGE engaged Haddon + Cowan in 2018 to complete a feasibility assessment and series of test-fits for modernizing their current main office located in a historic 1907 building in Central Austin. However, due to an increasing need for older-adult services, AGE instead chose to expand their operations to a new location in a service “desert”. Following this assessment phase, HCA worked closely with AGE to identify the best site for the new facility; ultimately landing on a location in the Southpark Meadows area of Austin that would allow for a new facility tailored to meet their unique program needs.

During the programming phase, Haddon + Cowan led in-depth discussions with AGE staff on how best to design for adults with Alzheimer’s and similar dementias that would be utilizing the new Thrive Social & Wellness Center. Through the thoughtful usage of materials, colors, and light/dark tone variations, the new Thrive center has subtle cues that guide end-users through the space safely while discouraging unwanted behaviors and fixations without the use of excessive physical barriers. The exterior courtyard and landscaping design continue this end-user focus and incorporate pathways symbolic to AGE of their mission to provide life-affirming care for their members. An emphasis on natural light and access to quality outdoor views from the interior spaces creates a restorative environment for AGE’s memory care and counseling programs.

The final design of the building features a welcoming 2-story lobby space that greets occupants before entering either the AGE Thrive Center on the first floor or the second floor office and conference room spaces utilized by AGE and other local non-profit organizations leasing office space from AGE. This combination of building occupancy types presented unique challenges to the design with code required separations and Texas DAHS licensing requirements that were resolved through early communication with the City of Austin Development Services Department and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.