Balfour Commitment Revitalizes Momentum
Insights Newsletter, DTJ Design
Summer 2004
According to Newton, changes in momentum are due to changes in velocity and mass. For Michael Schonbrun, President and CEO of Balfour Senior Care, the economic challenges following September 11, 2001, altered his project’s momentum as it affected many industries, but timing here was key.
“We submitted for a building permit four weeks earlier, but suddenly the climate to construct the project had changed.”
However, with a bit of patience and his devotion to creating a “continuum of care … where people never stop growing,” Michael maintained his vision to make the project become a reality.
In 1999, driven by the success of his assisted living and skilled nursing facility in Louisville, Colorado, Michael immediately initiated his vision for an independent living facility, the Lodge at Balfour.
It was to be built on a site adjacent to his current facility and planning and design quickly advanced. Then, after September 11, like many other construction projects, funding became a challenge to maintain. Investors seemingly perceived themselves as less financially secure.
Fortunately, Michael retained his vision and waited for opportunities to arise. His commitment, drive, and belief in the concept of Balfour revived the project in early 2003.
“We had momentum,” said Michael, “we lost momentum, and now we have it again. We are pushing as hard and as fast as we can to get it built. Seniors electing to make the move to an independent living facility want superlative design - something as good or better than their current home. We listened to what they wanted and that’s what was designed.”
With its rustic resort elegance, extensive landscaping (including a large garden courtyard), and abundant amenities, seniors are anticipating that The Lodge at Balfour will be an irresistible place to live. Still under construction, the Lodge is leasing units quickly, four months ahead of schedule. Designed by DTJ, The Lodge at Balfour will become home for its new residents in fall 2004.