Chippewa Place in Brecksville has reimagined its interior spaces
By Patricia Nugent
If thriving during the pandemic has spurred anything, it’s taking an inward look at our living spaces. At Chippewa Place in Brecksville, that translates to a daring design rethink of its lounges and suites.
Over the past few months, the independent senior living facility, which is steps from town square and is tucked into a ravine overlooking the Metroparks, has renovated new spaces to include a Library, Zen Tranquility Room and Mirror Lounge.
“We always go the extra mile looking for ways for our residents to hang out and enjoy each other’s company,” says Alison Schillero, who oversees the senior retirement facility.
Art Deco Vibe
Perfect for readers or those who cherish a little quiet time, the library on the second floor features a retro-art deco vibe, with new light gray flooring, bookshelves painted white, two bright green chairs and wall-to-wall books.
Residents can get their “Ohm” on in the new Zen tranquility room on the third floor, with sage green walls, hanging living frames of succulents, a purple velour sofa and feng shui-approved wind chimes for moving that chi around.
“We plan to bring in a senior yoga instructor and reiki practitioner, too,” Allison says, noting that her new marketing assistant, Alli Bugno, has been a huge help throughout the renovations.
On the fourth floor, the ladies reworked a sitting room into a Mirror Lounge, covering one wall with an eclectic variety of more than 20 mirrors.
And to give those who take tours a better idea of their potential living spaces, Alison says they have just renovated a model suite, with new paint and furniture to lend a “lived-in” feeling.
“All of our staff weighed in on what we thought would look most inviting in the suite. It was a group effort,” she adds.
A Gathering of Green Thumbs
“We’re blessed to be situated on such beautiful grounds,” says Alison. “This year we decided to make the most of it by building raised beds for our residents to tend. Twelve large garden boxes have given way to abundant vegetables, herbs and flowers. The residents chose what they wanted to grow and manage it from there. The boxes have built-in benches around them, so this has created a peaceful place down by the creek for people to relax.”
The flowers join other lush landscaped grounds surrounding the stunning red-brick Colonial-style building.
“Our director of maintenance, Jeffrey Sawicki, has a gift for keeping our award-winning grounds well cared for,” she says.
Heading into fall, Alison says they have lots of entertainment planned, including weekly visits from musicians and properly socially distanced trips to the park and for ice cream on the Chippewa bus.
Staying Ahead of Covid
She reports that since Covid hit earlier this year, they have not had one resident contract the virus.
“We are vigilant with sanitizing practices, masking and taking temperatures,” she adds. “And if a resident has to go to rehab, when they return, they self-quarantine for the required 14 days.”
She explains residents can age in place here within 100 independent one- and two-bedroom apartments, thanks to the host of medical practitioners brought in to handle their medical needs.
Residents enjoy continental breakfast and dinner, as well as housekeeping, both included in their monthly rent.
Chippewa Place is located at 7005 Stadium Drive in Brecksville. Call 440-526-6060 or visit www.ChippewaPlaceBrecksville.com for more information. Look for more photos on their Facebook page and new website.