Alzheimer’s Association Houston Chapter Gets New Headquarters

The Houston and Southeast Texas chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is getting a new home early next year. A $3 million renovation project will result in the nearly tripling of the organization’s current building size and make room for more community programs and services, representatives say.

Expanding in Size

Located on South Loop East, the new building was formerly occupied by Plus4 Credit Union and is nearly triple the size of the Association’s previous headquarters, which measured 5,800 square feet. The new location measures 16,300 square feet and provides room for the organization to help serve more people in the area.

The construction is expected to be finished in early 2014 and the building plans to be open by the end of the new year’s first quarter. Local companies have helped by donating their services to the organization. Gensler, an architectural firm, donated their services by designing the renovations and surrounding grounds. CW Lighting & Associates and T.R.W. Modernfold are also donating products to the new building.

The expanding population of seniors in Texas requires a great deal of attention, especially as the number of people with Alzheimer’s in the state is expected to triple in the next few decades.

Detailed Plans

The entire 1st floor of the building will serve as the area for chapter services and programs, allowing more space for people in the community to receive assistance and information. The second floor is designated for administrative offices and services. The Southeast Texas chapter currently serves about 20,000 people every year, who are spread across 37 counties in the state.

A music room will be added to the building, along with a “memory cafe” or lounge, and a separate reception area. A kitchen will also be included in the building. An outdoor pavilion surrounded by a walking path, gardens, and a great deal of planted trees will be included in the outdoor grounds. Floors, ceilings, and walls will also all be updated during the renovation.

The groundbreaking ceremony involving board members and directors of the organization was held on October 9th at the new location.

Read more about Alzheimer’s Association at the chapter website or find out more about the increasing prevalence of dementia in the state of Texas is affecting long term care providers and how best to plan for the risk.