St. John's Senior Center
Springfield, OH
2000
Originally designed as an adult day care center for St. John's Center Nursing Home in Springfield, Ohio, the Petticrew Center for Adult Care was created to provide a welcoming, therapeutic environment for individuals living with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The 2,770-square-foot addition was thoughtfully planned to reduce stress and promote comfort through a residential scale, familiar materials, and strong connections to the outdoors.
At the heart of the design is a secure, enclosed garden courtyard featuring accessible raised planting beds where participants could garden and enjoy meaningful outdoor activities. A covered patio extends the usability of the space throughout the year, supporting both recreation and social interaction regardless of the weather. Inside, the central gathering area features a gently barrel-vaulted ceiling finished in a calming blue palette with warm maple detailing, creating a bright, peaceful atmosphere that reinforces a sense of familiarity and well-being.
The addition was carefully integrated with the existing nursing home, complementing its architecture while establishing its own distinct identity. Although the facility no longer serves its original purpose, the building continues to support the community as the current home of Easterseals, demonstrating the lasting flexibility and value of thoughtful architectural design.





