As part of the Senior Design Capstone Course in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, a group of students will design options for senior housing in Lester, Iowa. 

The City of Lester is exploring opportunities to develop land for new senior housing that will provide accessible, low-maintenance homes for older adults while supporting the long-term needs of the community. The City is considering multiple approaches, including an independent senior living complex with apartment-style housing or a small residential subdivision designed specifically for older adults.

The design team will evaluate the site and develop conceptual plans for a senior-oriented residential development. The project will assess site conditions, development constraints, infrastructure needs, and opportunities for creating a safe, accessible, and attractive neighborhood for older residents. The design team will explore alternative development concepts and evaluate how different housing configurations can make efficient use of the available land.

Design considerations may include accessible and zero-entry housing, pedestrian circulation, parking, stormwater management, grading and drainage, utilities, landscaping, open space, and community amenities. The design team will also consider how the development can support aging in place and provide convenient access to shared spaces and outdoor recreation.

The resulting conceptual plans will provide the City of Lester with a framework for evaluating future senior housing development and identifying a preferred approach for the site. The project will help the City understand infrastructure requirements, site development considerations, and potential phasing as it works toward expanding housing options for older adults.

This project provides students with practical experience in residential site development, civil engineering design, stormwater management, accessibility, land use planning, and community-oriented development while addressing a growing housing need in a rural community.

Project deliverables may include:

• Existing conditions and site feasibility assessment
• Alternative senior housing site concepts
• Conceptual site plan for a senior apartment complex and/or small senior residential subdivision
• Preliminary roadway, parking, and pedestrian circulation plans
• Grading, drainage, and stormwater management concepts
• Planning-level cost considerations and phasing recommendations
• Final report with conceptual engineering plans and implementation recommendations