St. Leonard Franciscan Living Community was the first in the Dayton region to introduce a new holistic approach to wellness among seniors when it opened its 22,000-square-foot Franciscan Center. The center showcases many amenities and architectural features not often associated with continuing care retirement communities. The $4 million investment includes a day spa, full-service restaurant and bar, aerobics studio, meditation room, fitness room, community banquet room, three-lane lap pool, and warm-water therapy pool.

Each space is carefully designed with the rich details seen in classic Franciscan architecture, such as smooth stucco, exposed wood trusses, and large arched wood windows. The building’s large atrium, adorned with stacked stone and carefully designed mosaic prints, make it seem as if one is entering a spa-like resort rather than a traditional senior living facility.

The center was envisioned as a multi-generational gathering place for people throughout the area. The banquet hall is open to community groups looking for a space to meet and fitness facility memberships are available. The full-service restaurant and bar, named The Station House after a train station formerly located nearby, is open to any community member looking for a new place to dine.