Lee’s Shoddy Mill was a relic of Bala Cynwyd history. No one knew exactly how old it was, though it was likely built some time in the 1870s. Demolished in 2020, it will be replaced by a new kind of history.
LCB Senior Living officially announced on Thursday, May 11 that it would be open for and accepting residents, those for whom the history of the Main Line may be more present.
Bala Cynwyd is home to approximately 10,000 people, according to the 2020 U.S. Census, 23.2% of which are over the age of 65. They, like the now erased mill, reflect the living history of the area.
LCB is well aware of the local history and tradition that echo throughout the region. The construction of its new community is a forthright attempt to acknowledge the region’s past.
“We wanted to create a modern building that pays homage to the historic use on the site,” says Meghann Van Dorn, director of interior design for The Architectural Team Inc. “I think one of the most exciting parts about this project is its connection to the Main Line, which is truly a fantastic treasure.”
The aim for Van Dorn is creating a living facility that doesn’t feel like senior care but exudes a certain “elevated sense of elegance.”
“You don’t feel like you’re sitting in a factory; you feel like you’re sitting in a high-end European hotel,” she adds.
Sitting on Rock Hill Road at ‘the gateway of Bala Cynwyd,’ the residence’s style is an attempt to echo the communities that have lived on the Main Line since Philadelphians first began populating its suburbs.
“We tried to select finishes that reflected that very culture,” Van Dorn notes.
The facilities at the Residence at Bala Cynwyd itself offer independent living, personal care and reflections memory care, each suited to the individual and ever-changing needs of its residents.
Those who opt for independent living have the option of one- or two-bedroom studios equipped with a full bathroom, kitchenette and abundant natural light. Those enrolled in independent living will have the option to to take advantage of personal care or assisted living programs and do so while keeping their original apartment.
Personal care living offers a full array of services to suit individual requirements from assistance with bathing and dressing to medication management to oxygen assistance and more. Overall, LCB is widely known for its reflections care, based on a philosophy of empathy, expression and mindfulness. The program strives to keep its members active and independent members of society.
Amenities include 24-hour support and security, housekeeping, transportation, wellness programs, gourmet dining options and a beauty salon.
Though one of 35 different LCB Senior Living communities across New England and the Mid-Atlantic, Bala Cynwyd’s LCB has avoided turning itself into a monolith. By honoring the culture of the Main Line, the venue acknowledges its residents, thereby integrating itself into a dynamic community.
Related: Your Guide to Senior Living Across the Main Line Region
