$4.8 million Project New Life opens; designed by SWBR & Perkins Eastman

The Highlands at Pittsford, a senior living community affiliated with the University of Rochester, celebrated the grand opening of Project New Life, a $4.8 million wellness-focused expansion at 100 Hahnemann Trl. SWBR teamed with Perkins Eastman, to design the project. The centerpiece of the program is a two-story Health and Wellness Center designed to support the Seven Dimensions of Wellness, a holistic concept developed by Dr. Bill Hettler, co-founder of the National Wellness Institute, and endorsed by the International Council of Active Aging. The expansion includes a swimming and therapy pool with an underwater treadmill and whirlpool, a fitness center with changing rooms, a health bar, a salon, and an auditorium. In addition, The Highlands' main dining room was relocated and expanded, now overlooking a courtyard with water features. Upgrades were also made to Laurelwood, The Highlands' assisted living community, to enhance its entranceway and common areas. "When it welcomed its first residents in December 1994, The Highlands at Pittsford raised the bar for retirement living in the Rochester community," said Lloyd Thiess, executive director of The Highlands. "Now, with the grand opening of this upgrade and the official adoption of a total wellness philosophy for all residents, The Highlands remains at the forefront of retirement living." "Wellness and its many aspects have long been a part of the forward-thinking Highlands community," said Theiss. "Our residents, who were deeply involved in the plans for this project, are already embracing the Seven Dimensions concept and are excited about the new ways our community is supporting them in enjoying life."