Each year, the NAIOP Minnesota Awards of Excellence recognizes exceptional commercial buildings after an evaluation of their project development, sustainability, architecture, design and other factors. This year, Cassia’s new Haven Homes Senior Health and Living campus in Maple Plain received the Award for Distinctive Properties in Minnesota in the Senior Living category.
Launching the New Haven Homes
In 2018, Augustana Care and Elim Care joined together to form Cassia, which developed the new Haven Homes community in Maple Plain. The building replaced a care center that opened in 1966.
Construction occurred during the heart of the pandemic in 2020, and when asked about it, Maple Plain Mayor Julie Maas-Kusske had a ready answer. “People deserve the best. New features only strengthen the care Haven Homes can provide.”
Mayor Kusske and her husband Bart Kusske, a firefighter and lead staff member for the Wayzata Streets Department, had spoken with numerous individuals wanting to move to the new Haven Homes. “People need a community that meets their needs for care—including rehabilitation and memory care,” says Kusske. She believes the new building will only enhance Haven Homes’s “sterling reputation for care and service.”
Design Changes Capture Agricultural Roots
Maple Plain’s agricultural roots are plainly visible in the Haven Homes design, which features a modern farmhouse aesthetic. The community has bright white walls contrasted with dark window frames, dark lighting fixtures, and spots of bright colors.
Haven Homes Senior Health and Living now offers a community that has been designed to anticipate the needs of older adults with a range of living options. including independent and assisted living, adult day services, memory care, skilled care, and rehabilitation. Additionally, the location connects easily with nature, local stores and transportation.
“The design of Haven Homes was heavily influenced by its context and community roots, and Cassia’s desire to create a home that is comfortable, uplifting and promotes quality of life for residents. NAIOP celebrates the true value of collaboration and teamwork, as we worked together to shape and fulfill the vision for Haven Homes,” says Pope Architects Principal Christine Soma, AIA.
Partners
Cassia’s partners in creating the Haven Homes community include the following:
- General Contractor: Anderson Companies
- Architect & Interior Designer: Pope Architects
- Furniture: Banko Design
- Structural: Sandman Structural Engineers
- Food Service: R.L. Mather
- Design Mech D/B: J-Berd Mechanical Contractors
- Elec D/B: Berd Electric
- Landscape: Water in Motion
- Low Voltage: Collins Electrical Construction
- Civil: Otto Associates
- Photographers: Nate Johnson Studio & Jeff Placzek
