NewCourtland at Pennypack

The Pennypack LIFE Center serves as the hub for delivering essential health and wellness services to low-income older adults who resided in Northeast Philadelphia and are enrolled in the PACE Program. Thriven Design provided architectural, engineering, planning, and interior design services for this new 26,000 square-foot Center where participants engage in recreational, social and enrichment activities, receive meals, physical and occupational therapies, and have access to comprehensive medical care. The medical services are coordinated by an interdisciplinary team of professionals who oversee each participant’s unique needs for nutrition, therapy, primary care, and specialist care.

The Pennypack LIFE Center was designed to be at the heart of this new, senior-centric residential community developed on a former public housing site. The design of the Center welcomes seniors with an uplifting curved canopy that leads to the light-filled glass entryway. Inside, participants enjoy activities in three spacious day rooms each with direct access to the beautifully landscaped gardens. One day room is designed to offer a soothing and low-stimulation environment for participants with memory impairments and has controlled access to a specially designed, private garden that is fully secured. The Center also features a commercial kitchen, large physical and occupational therapy gym with skylight, dental suite, pharmacy, and primary care clinic.

The Pennypack LIFE program enrolls a large number of older adults, many of whom attend the Center for morning, afternoon or full-day sessions two or three days a week. This combination of health, wellness, social, recreational, and nutritional services offered through the PACE program enables older adults to remain living independently and safely in the familiar setting of their homes and while maintain essential relationships with family and friends.