Lowery's WholeLife Concept Integrates Housing, Wellness, and Healthcare
Developer John Boyd Lowery envisions 'ageless communities' where residential design prioritizes independence and natural integration of health resources.
National developer John Boyd Lowery, founder of Lowery Company, is advancing a concept called WholeLife, which aims to create residential communities designed around health, independence, and integrated wellness resources. The initiative moves beyond the idea of a "longevity home" to encompass an entire community, blending upscale residential features with reduced home maintenance and convenient access to healthcare.
Lowery refers to these developments as "ageless communities," emphasizing a lifestyle-centered approach rather than one defined by age. This philosophy influences the design of residences, streetscapes, shared facilities, and the integration with local healthcare networks. The company's guiding principle is "Where you live, can help you live."
Residential Formats
WholeLife offers three primary residential formats to accommodate different site conditions and densities: Traditions, Bungalows, and Flats.
- Traditions: Designed to resemble conventional neighborhoods, this format includes 100 to 150 single-level homes ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 square feet. It emphasizes familiar residential forms, sidewalks, and landscaping to create a natural neighborhood cadence.
- Bungalows: This format features patio homes of approximately 1,900 square feet with private garden areas and rear-entry two-car garages. Placing garages at the rear allows street-facing views to be defined by entrances and landscaping.
- Flats: Adapted for denser environments, this mid-rise format situates parking at ground level with residences above, making it suitable for locations where separate housing is less practical.
These formats allow WholeLife to adapt to various sites while maintaining core residential principles.
The WholeLife Club
Central to each community is the WholeLife Club, envisioned as a wellness anchor. It is planned to include fitness facilities, a pool, gathering spaces, game and event areas, and a business center. Its central placement is intended to encourage regular use by residents, making fitness, social activities, and community programming integral to daily life.
The club facilities are also designed to provide access to health and wellness professionals, such as nurse practitioners and dietitians. This integration offers a practical healthcare component within a setting that already supports exercise, nutrition, and social connection. The model anticipates both virtual and in-person consultations, acknowledging the need for remote access to information and services, as well as in-person care for examinations and specific treatments.
Community Design and Walkability
WholeLife's site planning prioritizes level terrain to minimize barriers to movement. Gentle grades, accessible driveways, and minimal entrance steps contribute to a more walkable and navigable community. The design aligns with principles of creating "activity-friendly communities" by connecting safe and convenient routes to everyday destinations, such as grocery stores, restaurants, parks, and walking trails.
Potential development sites are evaluated not only for topography and density but also for their proximity to essential community amenities and existing neighborhoods. The goal is to seamlessly connect residents to their surroundings rather than create an isolated enclave.
Healthcare Integration
Access to healthcare is a critical factor in site selection. Lowery emphasizes the necessity of establishing relationships with local physicians, practitioners, and hospitals in each market. While virtual care can supplement services, it does not replace the need for in-person medical attention. WholeLife is also exploring a potential national healthcare partnership to ensure a consistent system across its communities, though this is still under development.
The physical design of the community accommodates certain forms of wellness support, while its location ensures access to a range of healthcare services. Proximity to healthcare facilities is considered alongside topography, density, and neighborhood character in the decision-making process for new developments.
Design Philosophy
Lowery Company, founded by John Boyd Lowery in 1979, draws on extensive experience across various real estate sectors, including single-family housing, multifamily development, hospitality, medical facilities, and senior living. WholeLife integrates these diverse experiences, combining the privacy and familiarity of traditional housing with the service and convenience of hospitality, and the wellness resources of health-focused communities.
While maintaining a consistent design philosophy, the final appearance of each WholeLife community will be influenced by local factors such as climate, topography, density, surrounding architecture, and regional preferences. As WholeLife expands through partnerships with local developers, balancing this consistency with local character will be a key design challenge. The overarching goal is to create residential environments that support independence, daily convenience, and access to necessary services.