When seniors walk into the new 30,000-square-foot Baker Senior Center Naples, its inviting, expansive hallways, soft color palette and colorful artwork inspire peace.
After nine years in a 12,000-square-foot leased space on Castello Drive, the center had grown from 80 members to 1,400, limiting capacity and programs and prompting plans for a new building. In 2019, philanthropists Patty and Jay Baker kicked off a $30 million capital campaign with $5 million, eventually contributing $12 million. The $15 million complex is paid for, and the remaining funds cover operating expenses.
Construction began in November 2021 and the two-story white building, located at 6200 Autumn Oakes Lane on 13.7 acres south of Immokalee Road, opened in February. It was a team effort by architect Renée Zepeda of Stofft Cooney Architects, general contractor Norm Gentry of Build LLC, Josie Presar Interior Design and project manager Dwight Thomas, of WCI Communities, who ensured it came in within budget.
“Renée has a real expertise in designing for seniors,” says Jaclynn Faffer, center president. “Everything was designed with her input. The team met every other week to go over everything from the ground up.”
Zepeda said that overcrowded spaces cause stress, so it’s important that a building reduces that because seniors often deal with stress. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide abundant light. “It was important to have a space that was open, bright, happy and crisp, with natural light, because that elevates the spirit and our connectivity to nature,” Zepeda says. “It’s important to have ample spaces like wide hallways for seniors, who may have walkers, wheelchairs or large groups coming to an event.”
As seniors enter, there’s a reception area to swipe membership cards. It’s $60 yearly to participate in activities, socialize or chat in a cafe, where volunteers serve coffee.
Wide-plank luxury vinyl tile and white-tiered pilasters lead toward a welcoming sky-blue wall at the end of the hall, where a donor plaque will be hung. Members’ artwork hangs on each side on invisible wires and can easily be changed. Texturized, non-slip LVT plank flooring in varying styles creates ambiance for each space, all named for donors.
“When you come into a building, you want a sense of arrival and a procession of spaces that will guide you to different areas and make it intuitive and easy to find the places where you’re going,” Zepeda says of the building, whose exterior features wide white columns and a covered drop-off entry.
Zepeda chose sky blue to bring nature inside. The previous building had a more intense blue.
“You have to use a blue that won’t turn into too much of a gray. We stay away from greens, because as you get older many seniors develop macular degeneration, which causes green to look gray,” she explains. “When I pick colors for seniors, I use glasses with yellow tint to ensure I’m picking the right colors.”
Members socialize while sipping coffee in the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Cyber Café, which features calming blue tiered tiles, a kitchen, counter and tables connected to a hallway and patio that provide openness and light. Donated paintings hang in hallways, where a “Missing Man Table” is set to honor POWs and MIAs.
In the library, light LVT wood floors complement wood storage drawers and shelves lined with books. Blue easy chairs and white tables invite members to sit and read. A tech room features computers and monitors for teaching.
Three large meeting rooms, used for activities such as yoga and concerts, can be opened into one for big events. A baby grand piano sits in a corner, surrounded by white chairs, while members practice Tai Chi next door. Acoustic tiles ensure noise doesn’t travel.
In the Art & Gardening Room, a patio features high and low plant beds so seniors can garden, even in wheelchairs. A mud room offers a sink to fill up watering cans or clean up. Seventeen women, the Needlework Group, sit at tables crocheting, knitting and chatting as one creates a bear in the bright, north-facing room. Joanne Mandeville, 80, the county’s first female deputy, has been a member for years.
“I love it,” Mandeville says of the spacious building, which provides socialization, a free Wednesday lunch and entertainment. “More people are coming from various areas and I’m meeting more people. It’s almost double the number who used to come.”
The first floor also offers a food pantry, while the second floor is dedicated to administration, dementia, respite, mental health counseling and case-management services. Future plans include a meditation garden and walking trails.
