Ashland Terrace

Lexington, Kentucky

CMW provided architectural, engineering and site development services for the design of Ashland Terrace. Vector, LLC, CMW’s sister company provided construction management services. Ashland Terrace is a 150-year-old, independent, non-profit retirement facility housed in a 40-year-old building in an older, established neighborhood. In expanding and renovating, management was focused on preserving the “fit” of the building in a residential environment, which required rezoning and the blessing of the neighborhood association; on keeping the open air back entry terrace, for which the facility is named; on avoiding long halls; and providing many “outside” sitting areas. To insure minimal congestion at mealtimes, two new entrances to the dining room were added, one connecting it to the living room, the other to the main building corridor. The board also wanted the feel of the interior to be light, open, airy, updated and walker-friendly, as a third of the existing twenty-two residents (all women) used walkers. For years, the home enjoyed a large vegetable and flower garden, allowing the public to cut flowers, and using the vegetables to help feed the residents. In addition to bringing the outside inside by surrounding the terrace and new fountain, adding a balcony, Florida room and covered side porch, the director was determined to make the garden more accessible and diverse for residents and the public. The Director decided to add a peripheral walkway, raised beds, a large koi pond with waterfall, a smaller water feature in both the hummingbird and butterfly gardens and additional swings and benches. An aviary, planned for the first floor elevator/lobby area, provides constant activity and the cheerful sound of chirping birds when visitors enter through the main entrance. A large aquarium is located on the second floor lobby which houses fancy goldfish. Resident-owned cats frequent the terrace, which is now surrounded by the building, open to the