The Green Houses at Traceway, a new concept in nursing home care, received the 2004 National Citation Award from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the National Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA). During the award presentation ceremony held during the AAHSA Conference in Denver, CO, the jury panel described The Green Houses at Traceway as the ultimate household concept and a new model for the delivery of skilled nursing for elders. “Here, there is a journey toward a new paradigm of nursing care that includes the client, the staff, and the designer,” the panel continued. “Its simplicity and straightforwardness are a credit to the foresight of the team of The McCarty Company and Mississippi Methodist Senior Services, Inc.”

Criteria for the award included enhancing the quality of life for elders through innovation, remaining true to the mission of the owner organization, creating intergenerational lifestyle opportunities and delivering quality care affordably. The jury panel, consisting of retirement community providers, architects and consultants familiar with the unique needs of elders, chose The Green House Project from a field of 80 submissions received from the United States and three countries, including Japan, Canada and Belgium.

The Green House Project philosophy is a distinctive approach to delivering care based on the Eden Alternative Principles developed by Dr. William Thomas. Each residence is a “warm, smart and green” home where 10 elders live together and receive the skilled care they need on a daily basis. Elders have their own private bedrooms with a private bath. A kitchen and dining room complete the hearth area where elders can participate in the activities of daily living, including setting the table, assisting with meals or simply enjoying a cup of coffee at the dining room table while meals are being prepared.