The Stayton at Museum Way | HKS Architects

The Challenge

The Stayton’s designers were challenged to make the most of a three-acre plot with restrictions on height. The building would need to take residents’ needs into consideration by providing health care services and amenities for upscale senior living. The design was a catalyst for the SO7 district, where initially only a few low-rise buildings existed. Designing one of the district’s first high-rises was an opportunity to set the tone for the district moving forward. Because of its location near a major highway, the Stayton would need to blend into the skyline and offer its own appeal.

The Design Solution

The 11-story Stayton was built for Fort Worth, serving as a connector between downtown Fort Worth and the world-renowned Museum District. The roof is divided among three interconnected buildings and pays homage to the modular design of the neighboring Kimbell Art Museum. Stayton residents experience upscale living without having to compromise on their healthcare needs. Amenities include a full spa, indoor pool, beauty salon, and wellness center. Healthcare floors offer memory support, assisted living, and skilled care. Back-of-house spaces are discreetly laid out to maintain the feel of a residential environment. Designers sprinkled intimate spaces such as private dining, lounges, outdoor amenities throughout the Stayton give the three-tower project a more intimate, community-oriented feel. Glass separating the towers brings in light and gives visitors a sense of direction as they move through the facility.

The Design Impact

The Stayton addresses loneliness among seniors by stepping away from autonomous senior living communities in the past and allowing residents to feel more connected to the area around them. Residents have easy access to nearby museums, restaurants, and grocery stores to stay engaged with their neighborhood. The design team’s approach to this project helped influence the designs for other senior living communities in North Texas.