Presbyterian Homes Senior Living - Prairie Gate
Supporting the diverse needs of an aging population through dignity, connection, and holistic wellbeing
Cuningham partnered with Presbyterian Homes to design Prairie Gate, a 200,000-square-foot, multi-level care community that prioritizes resident dignity, wellbeing, and connection.
Nestled within 17 acres of Iowa's rolling Loess Hills, Prairie Gate’s program includes 78 independent living units, 18 assisted living units, 18 memory care units and 36 care center units—all anchored by a vibrant town center which serves as the heart of the community, offering a range of amenities such as a club room, fitness and wellness center, chapel, community room, dining areas, library, salon, and enclosed garage, among other spaces.
Cuningham’s design thoughtfully blends the functional requirements of a large, multi-unit facility with a warm, residential character that prioritizes dignity and comfort. This approach is especially important in senior living environments, where creating a sense of home and familiarity can significantly enhance resident wellbeing. Throughout the project, the design promotes natural light and strong visual connections to the landscape as part of a broader biophilic design strategy. These elements support mental clarity, foster positive moods, and create a calming atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.
The building’s layout is strategically planned to encourage social interaction and community engagement. Ample lounge areas and open connections between spaces support casual encounters and resident connection. Navigation and accessibility are supported by clear sightlines, well-lit corridors, and intentional zoning. Careful consideration is also given to the spacing of seating zones and the diversity of seating options, allowing residents to find settings that suit their comfort and confidence levels. This emphasis on choice reinforces resident agency and promotes more frequent and meaningful participation in community life.
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Client: Presbyterian Homes & Services
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Size: 196,000 Square Feet
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Scope:
New Construction -
Services:
ArchitectureLandscape ArchitectureMaster Planning -
Key Project Contacts:
The building’s design concept takes inspiration from the surrounding landscape and draws on the principles of prairie-style architecture. As such, the material palette features a balanced mix of tan and light brown brick with natural and earthy accent materials. Articulated building volumes and tower elements break up the massing and add visual interest, while generous roof overhangs further promote the building’s prairie-style design.
Interior spaces are equally grounded in a sense of warmth and comfort. The main lobby is organized around a dramatic double-height atrium, with expansive windows that flood the space with daylight and create a strong visual connection to the surrounding landscape. A large gas fireplace acts as a hearth and anchors the lobby, offering a familiar and welcoming point of orientation. The extensive use of warm wood tones across wall paneling, furniture, and ceiling details creates a residential atmosphere that is both elegant and approachable.
The site design plays a crucial role in shaping the resident experience and supporting the varied program elements. Entry sequences for both the town center and care center are enhanced through thoughtful planting and hardscape elements that frame the arrival and support intuitive flow. Gardens, water features, and meandering paths around the town center are carefully composed to invite resident exploration and interaction. Specialized outdoor spaces, such as the memory care and care center gardens, include raised planters and varied surface treatments to support accessibility and sensory engagement.
Across the campus, this comprehensive site plan establishes the layout of roads, parking, and walking paths, creating a clear and connected framework that links internal zones and connects to the broader community, including the church next door. The result is a senior living environment that offers not only safety and support, but also a vibrant, dignified, and enriching place to call home.
