Gathering Place

Gathering Place is an independent living retirement community in Iowa City, Iowa, built on a model that separates housing from healthcare services. The community emphasizes wellness woven into daily life, with a philosophy that community connection is central to resident wellbeing.

The community is designed around hospitality and connection rather than medical focus, featuring chef-driven dining, wellness spaces, and gathering areas. Healthcare and supportive services are available when needed but are not the primary feature of daily life. The design supports residents in maintaining independence longer and allows care to be delivered into residents' homes rather than requiring moves as needs change.

Gathering Place operates on a 90% refundable buy-in model, separating housing from healthcare in its financial structure. This approach allows residents to retain value and flexibility, with decisions about care driven by individual needs rather than prepaid bundled contracts. Residents keep control of both their home and their financial future.

The community draws from a successful model developed at a Cedar Falls campus, incorporating modern design and expert programming shaped by resident input. The approach emphasizes prevention through wellness habits and relationships rather than intervention-focused care, with daily interactions fostered through spontaneous hallway conversations and shared meals in the restaurant.