Senior housing is known for being old and uncomfortable, but several developers and designers are working together to improve senior communities for people accustomed to a particular lifestyle.
The Apsley is the latest development of luxury senior housing in Manhattan that appeals to those unwilling to compromise on a luxury lifestyle as they age. It also ensures that family members receive the best care. Developed by Hines, Welltower and Sunrise Senior Living, The Apsley is the team’s second upscale senior community in Manhattan, following their first Sunrise at East 56th project which opened in December 2021. The Apsley is a 19-story building with 76 assisted living and 80 memory care homes, ranging from studios ($17,000 per month) to two-bedroom units ($31,800 per month). The all-inclusive price includes the apartment fee, personal care, services and amenities. Architectural firm SLCE and luxury hospitality interior design firm Champalimaud Design have created beautiful, bright homes and shared spaces that wouldn’t look out of place in a five-star hotel.
“We have always known that there is a strong demand for high-quality, high-quality senior living in Manhattan,” said Denise Falco, senior vice president of operations at Sunrise Senior Living. “With the success of our sister property, Sunrise at East 56th, we are confident that The Apsley will meet the needs of New York seniors and their families who hold the Upper West Side neighborhood close to their hearts.”
The memory center.
The team envisioned that The Apsley would appeal to those who have lived on the Upper West Side all their lives and don’t want to travel far to get the quality care they need. It is just as ideal for those who are still independent and care about their well-being, as it is for those who need more serious care. Not only is the high-quality design inspired by Upper West Side landmarks such as The Dakota and the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine, but the programming also features many cultural classes and workshops inspired by the neighborhood’s culture.
“Upper West Siders are known for exquisite taste, dedication to art and intellectual curiosity,” said Sarah Hawkins, CEO of Hines’ East Region. “The curated cultural amenities at The Apsley reflect the needs of our discerning residents to fulfill their collective desire to remain engaged with the cultural offerings in the neighborhood and greater NYC.”
A terrace.
The Apsley offers 24-hour care with the option of personalized services depending on a person’s needs, and a dedicated care center, including memory care. The amenities are second to none and include a spa, dining bistro, landscaped outdoor patios, art studio, theater, private dining areas, fitness center and more.
“When moving in, residents receive an Amazon device known as the Echo Dot, which is equipped with Aiva, a healthcare operating software specifically designed to effortlessly connect residents to the services they need,” Falco say. “This allows them to use speech technology to request daily weather forecasts, express a care request or communicate with staff. Another critical feature of this technology is providing seamless opportunities to connect with family, friends and loved ones outside the community. In addition, residents will receive state-of-the-art Philips Cares Blueband wearables that provide wellness tracking, fall detection and push-for-help features.”
The community entrance.
There’s even the option of off-site excursions, and the team has also developed partnerships with New York-based organizations such as music classes and workshops through the Metropolitan Opera and Lincoln Center, and an in-house library curated by a local bookseller. Residents can also join book clubs on the Upper West Side, attend readings by New York writers, and enjoy open mic nights and concerts. Healthcare technology also plays an important role.
“Residents can still enjoy all of their favorite local restaurants, shops and cultural institutions while receiving the attention and care they deserve,” said John Olympitis, senior vice president and chief of business development at Welltower. “In terms of care, The Apsley offers a clear alternative to home care, the current standard in New York City. We can work with residents as they grow older to meet their needs at every stage of their care journey.”
Leasing is underway for The Apsley and it will officially open in 2023.