The Landing

eeking to enhance the dining experience for residents and support Immanuel’s move from a standard meal plan to a point-based flexible plan, The Landing in Lincoln, Nebraska underwent an 18-month renovation to update multiple dining venues and amenity spaces. The project, which encompasses 22,500-SF of space, transforms the existing library, bistro, ice cream parlor and other common areas into fresh and modern spaces. Following numerous listening sessions with residents and caregivers to best understand their needs and wants for the renovated spaces, the resulting design is one that offers greater choice and support Immanuel’s overall rebranding efforts. The Raleigh Club, which includes a full-service bar, expands the dining entrance and provides high visibility into the Grand Hall, the community’s primary space for internal and external social gatherings. Private dining is now offered at The Reserve, a space that provides residents with a fine dining experience on select nights, many times by reservation; its adaptable design allows The Reserve to accommodate both fine dining elements as well as more casual activities such as card playing and games. Dining areas that were previously used for breakfast and dinner have been renovated into a single dining venue and rebranded as the Cast Iron Grille.

RDG's design for the new dining areas offers residents a variety of seating options and sections to choose from and creates flexible and functional circulation. Working in consultation with an acoustic engineer, the design team enhanced acoustics by screening the kitchen door and incorporating acoustical materials throughout. Understanding the community’s desire to feature local art, RDG consulted closely with an art committee, engaging in listening sessions to help inform decisions. The resulting design incorporates a modern, colorful and vibrant art collection throughout the renovated areas, the most notable of which is a one-of-a-kind, metal crane positioned at the entry to the Cast Iron Grille. Designed and created by a celebrated local artist, the piece recalls the sandhill cranes for which Nebraska is well known.