REVITALIZING COMMUNITY

Located on 450 acres in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, John Knox Village (JKV) has been a leader in the Greater Kansas City area for nearly 50 years. John Knox Village underwent a phased repositioning to revitalize their independent living housing across the campus. Prior to the repositioning, the community served 1,500 residents in a variety of independent living housing accommodations including:  freestanding cottage homes, villas, and apartments.  

Two separate phased projects, “The Courtyards” and “The Meadows,” have recently been completed to provide a unique blend of amenities and services to allow JKV to remain competitive within their primary market. 

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THE COURTYARDS: ENHANCING EXPERIENCE

Phase I includes The Courtyards building expansion and consists of 52 Independent Living apartments. All apartments have a porch or balcony accessed through the living room. The entire commons core is an open, flexible space designed to promote daily resident recreation and interaction. Common areas include a lobby with concierge, dining area with outdoor courtyard, theater, and salon. The Courtyards is located adjacent to the active street side of the campus and gives a new look along a major highway to help rebrand John Knox Village to the broader community.

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THE MEADOWS: A NEW HEART TO THE CAMPUS

The Meadows, Phase II, is four-story Independent Living building providing 112 apartments. The commons includes a lobby/living room, bar/bistro, activity spaces, a dining room, and a multi-purpose room. Upon visiting the campus during the master planning phase, the design team noticed a small park with walking trails and a creek located in the center of the campus. The team suggested that creating a new dynamic “heart” could be a way to spark the renaissance across the campus. Redefining a new center of the campus, created a unique connection with living, wellness, cultural, learning, and dining all connected to the park.  The new Wellness and Spa Center exudes vibrancy that promotes resident exercise and activity. In addition, there is a unique outdoor courtyard that extends the indoor space to the outside with a fireplace, waterfall, dining, and tai chi/exercise areas.

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