Clubhouse wins national senior housing award

MONROE — For an architect, designing an active adult clubhouse that stands out in a crowd in Monroe Township can be a difficult task.

That made it all the sweeter for Minno & Wasko Architects and Planners to learn that its clubhouse design for the Regency at Monroe received a gold award from the 2004 National Association of Home Builders Best of Seniors Housing Design Awards.

Each year, a 12-member panel of architects, designers and builders honor the nation’s best senior housing designs on how effectively the projects respond to the demands and needs of the burgeoning 50-plus market.

According to a press release from Minno & Wasko, the clubhouse and recreational facilities at the Toll Bros.’ Regency development are at the heart of the community. It’s the first thing visitors see as they drive through the gated entry. It also sits atop the highest promontory in the community, offering views of the Verranzano Bridge into New York City from the back deck.

The 27,000-square-foot facility features a ballroom with a stage and catering kitchen, an arts and crafts room, media room, billiards room and an exercise room. There’s also a spa with a heated indoor pool, hot tub, showers and a massage therapy room. Outside is a grand patio, an Olympic-sized pool and bocce, tennis and shuffleboard courts, plus the community’s Arnold Palmer-designed golf course.

The architects added waterfall features to the pool and fountains throughout the patio area, and incorporated a tot lot for visiting children. The facility also features a business center.

The firm said it was all these elements coming together that resulted in the recent honor, but also that the design was a true original among a sea of contemporaries.