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Village Concepts Inc, a development company based in Fairfield, has a far-reaching vision--to build a community village which encompasses both retirement living facilities and an entertainment complex. The company's mission is to bring together the old and the young while nourishing the entire community of Fairfield.
Currently in the planning stages, the 60-acre village, with 20 acres allotted for a retirement complex, will be located south of Fesler Auto Mall on Suburban Heights Road. Along with retirement facilities, the community village will also feature family residential housing, offices, restaurants, theaters, playgrounds, and an outdoor ice-skating rink. The rink may also be used for in-line skating during the summer as well as for community dances and festivals. Abundant green spaces are integral to the village design--setting it apart as a community haven. Unique to Village Concept's vision is the crucial role that the elderly play in our society. Often placed into "old-age homes" and estranged from society, the natural, life-supporting role of the elderly in our lives has long been forsaken. Village Concepts aims to directly address this issue. Foremost on the agenda is a plan to build a comprehensive retirement complex unlike any in the country today. Aptly named Light of the Prairie Retirement Village, the goal is to inspire and nourish its residents. According to John Callender, general manager of Village Concepts who has extensive experience in universal design, "We are introducing an entirely new model for the retirement industry. Our plan is to blend traditional concepts and techniques of architectural design, health care, and management with the most up-to-date technology and services." Project coordinator Mary Langdon commented, "Our senior citizens are precious members of society who have spent the greater part of their lives devoted to their families and communities. They are an invaluable source of wisdom and should not be ignored."
Letty Seidl, a program developer for a large Midwest agency for the aging and a consultant to the firm, added, "Placing this retirement village within a larger venue will allow seniors to stay involved and continue to be contributing members of their communities while enjoying a holistic quality of life in their later years."
This unique and holistic approach to retirement living begins with a move back to traditional architectural design, and the desire to create an environment in harmony with nature. Village Concepts has chosen the prairie-style architectural theme for its overall building design and will implement the principles of Maharishi Sthaptya Veda so that the buildings themselves can help produce "life supporting influences" for their residents. The building plans will also integrate a "green" approach to construction, including the use of natural and non-toxic materials. Extensive green spaces, gardens, orchards, and walkways will be designed to support a healthy and nourishing environment. All types of senior living facilities will be available; including independent living duplexes and condominiums, assisted living apartments, and continuous care and Alzheimer's care units. State-of-the-art western medicine would be available, however, the goal of Village Concepts is to integrate a range of natural alternatives into its health care program, in order to reduce residents' dependency on drugs. Fresh and organic meals would be served and menus will provide a selection of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices.
A childcare facility is planned to aid facility employees with their family needs and to bring together the old with the young. "We'd like to set up an environment where our residents have the opportunity to share their wisdom and life experiences with younger generations and enjoy the rejuvenating influence of children," said Callender.
Ultimately, the Village goal is to bring together the community in a very special way. According to Mary Langdon, "Just as baby-boomers successfully challenged the medical-dependent childbirthing process, bringing it back to a more holistic and natural approach, they are now ready to turn their attention towards elder care. The Fairfield project is our first. We hope to develop similar projects across the country." According to Bill Dunn, president of Village Concepts, groundbreaking for the development could start this year with aspirations to complete the retirement living portion by the year 2000. "We at Village Concepts, Inc. are designing and building similar projects throughout the Midwest. We have the desire and ability to create a landmark retirement community for Fairfield, and with community support we can make it a reality."
For more information on Village Concepts please contact Mary Langdon at 472-7787 or e-mail villageone@lisco.com.
