masonic pathways skilled nursing center
expansion & renovation

alma, michigan

As part of its continuing dedication to campus improvements, Masonic Pathways invested in the Michigan Masonic Home (MMH) Skilled Nursing Center. The project involved a multiple-phase program of renovations and an expansion of the building’s second floor.

The first phase involved a renovation of the second floor of the existing skilled nursing center. Two dining rooms were added to the memory care unit. These expansions provided an area to assist with the phasing of the project; included in the work scope is the renovation of the entire center core of the floor. Lastly, this phase includes a corridor refresh of all four neighborhoods.

Phase two is a renovation of the first floor, starting with a new first impression at the main entrance and an open great room seating area. Masonic Pathways made a commitment to the residents and staff to completely change the daily experience throughout the Skilled Nursing building. Dining Rooms, Activity Rooms, Lobby, and Staff Offices were all renovated and reconfigured for improved circulation and ease of use for the residents. In the culinary program, each dining room was opened up to remove the surrounding walls, allowing easier access and an interactive dining sensory experience. The first-floor south dining room was treated in a special way to become a more open café environment. This dining venue is situated close to rehab patients and the main building circulation route, thus providing a space for family and staff to grab a bite and mingle. The café features a wood slat ceiling with a special wall covering mounted above and modern light fixtures hanging through the slats. Vinyl floors provide seamless transition under the tables and a tiled floor at the serving counter brings back memories from food service of the past. The café also opens to an outside patio, allowing warm weather enjoyment. The café and outdoor patio are popular places for eating and picture-taking – as evidenced by the social media posts from Masonic Pathways.