Beach Terrace Memory Care transformed a single lot, which was considered a neighborhood blight, into a vibrant mixed-use space for the community. The odd shaped-triangular lot, just over an acre and sandwiched between an irrigation channel and an arterial road, contained unsightly elements and was an eyesore to the neighborhood. Now, a community gem, the Beach Terrace Memory Care in Stanton, California—a 66-unit, 110 beds facility—serves the ‘missing middle market’ of Orange County. The three-story, 90,000-square-foot center highlights comfortable community living in a cozy home-like setting.

True to its promise, since its inauguration, the facility is now home to elderly members experiencing memory challenges who can enjoy the well-designed living areas and terraces that connect with the outside. The individual rooms and common living areas also reflect the theme of comfort, expansiveness, and freedom, essential for those suffering from memory challenges. The facility reflects the “architecture of happiness” inside and out.

On the second level, the two terraces of 5,000 square feet offer indoor-outdoor living. Seeking to provide residents with a diverse program The design concept allows a simple-to-navigate floor plan with centrally located common areas, easily manageable ‘three-wings’ on each floor, and shaded, quiet roof garden terraces. Units range from private, double occupancy, and twin rooms with jack and jill bathrooms. The common areas provide a central community living with a dining room opening to the outdoor seating and gardening area on the terrace and lounge. The outdoor space extends into the other terrace, where residents can enjoy physical activities. The first floor boasts 5,000 square feet of commercial space, including a cafe, pharmacy, and reception area, a 20,000-square-foot parking garage, and a public plaza fronting Beach Blvd. This project converted a neighborhood blight into a vibrant community of members who rely on its architecture for their wellbeing and happiness.