Armed Forces Retirement Home
Gulfport, MS

AFRH Aerial View AFRH Entrance AFRH Master Plan AFRH First Floor Plan AFRH Second Floor Plan

Project Specs
Construction Cost:  TBD
Gross Square Feet:  92,450 (New & Renovated)
Number of Floors:  10
Completion Date:  TBD *

Narrative
The Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) is dedicated to being the long-term care solution of choice for retired enlisted personnel in the United States. Its Gulfport, MS, campus sits on 44 acres along the Gulf of Mexico, offering scenic views of the beaches just a short walk away.

AFRH commissioned SFCS to develop a master plan to reposition its campus in Gulfport, which called for modeling amenities after market-rate communities. The plan included upgrading a traditional rigid military atmosphere with attractive public spaces, providing dining choices, and adding wellness facilities, shops, and other amenities. The most important improvement was the creation of new living units that offer enhanced conditions.

SFCS is currently working with AFRH in Gulfport to expand and renovate the existing community. The current campus is a series of buildings adjacent to an 11-story building built in the 1970s, which accommodates 550 residents in small, 100 square foot, single-occupancy rooms. The expansion introduces a new living option of enriched housing, not previously available.

The programming for the project was developed in conjunction with Dr. Lorraine Hiatt of Planning, Research and Design for Aging and the management and staff at AFRH. The plan adds 128 independent living apartments in two mid-rise tower buildings, plus a structured parking deck. Three different 450 square foot floor plans were designed to maximize views and the contours of the site. Another 100 units will be available when remodeled within the existing tower for assisted living in a household-model environment. The project will also include new memory care units, as well as transitional care and day care programs.

The design provides for an extensive holistic wellness program, fitness and physical therapy, spiritual spaces, crafts, multipurpose room, gift shop, and a “Starbucks” style café. The main portion of this amenity section is called “Bridge Street.” Eventually, new dining environments will be created to offer food courts and a variety of mid-meal eating and socializing areas. Other improvements include upgrades of the HVAC power plant; enhancement of the common spaces in the existing tower; assisted living ADA upgrades; and new laundry, shops, and bulk storage for residents.

Tying the community together will be a Hall of Honors created as an expansion of the main circulation space adjacent to the elevators, administration, and dining. This Hall of Honors will provide recognition of residents’ military service and commitment to their country. On a daily basis, every resident will pass through this space, which is intended to be uplifting and demonstrate appreciation of their efforts and sacrifices.

* The project design described above may be subject to change due to
   extensive damage caused to AFRH-Gulfport by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

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