Ben PhilipVentana by Buckner Retirement Community is a luxury, high-rise life care community located in Dallas, Texas. Known for its modern twin towers and resort-style amenities, it provides seniors with a continuum of care, ranging from independent living to assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing. Built with a focus on elegance, convenience, and holistic well-being, Ventana offers its residents not only a home but a lifestyle that blends comfort, connection, and security.
Ventana by Buckner Retirement Community
Background & Overview
Ventana by Buckner is located in Dallas, Texas, just west of North Central Expressway across from NorthPark Center. It occupies nearly three acres in Dallas’s esteemed Park Cities/NorthPark area, offering commanding views of the Park Cities and downtown skyline.
Operated by the nonprofit Buckner Senior Living, a division of Buckner International, Ventana is a Life Care continuing care retirement community (CCRC) offering multiple levels of senior living—from independent living all the way to skilled nursing and memory care.
Construction began in the mid-2010s, with a \$120–140 million investment. Whiting-Turner served as the lead contractor, and D2 Architecture of Dallas provided the design. The community officially opened in late 2018 and welcomed its first residents in 2019.
Architecture & Design Excellence
- Twin-Tower Structure
Ventana’s two adjacent 12-story towers, sometimes referred to as the “Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers” towers due to their graceful alignment, are connected through their lower levels and feature a subtle 15-degree bend in their axis to minimize overlooking and optimize views. These towers together encompass approximately 450,000 square feet of built space—other sources estimate around 684,000 square feet, possibly including ancillary areas.
- Luxurious Amenities & Layout
Ventana was meticulously designed to provide a resort-style experience. Key amenities include:
- Indoor heated pool and jacuzzi
- Salon and spa
- Movie theater
- Fitness and wellness center, aerobics room
- Roof garden terraces, sky lounge, multiple patios
- Pet park
- Library and business center, creative arts studio
- Indoor parking and underground parking
- Formal dining, casual dining, café/bistro, coffee and juice bar, flexible club-style dining
These exceptional features earned Ventana design recognition—including “Best CCRC Design of 2019” from Senior Housing News, and an honorable mention in the Environments for Aging Design Showcase 2020.
Care Levels & Services
As a Life Care CCRC, Ventana has a comprehensive continuum of care:
- Independent Living: Private apartments with full amenities, social programs, and house/grounds maintenance included.
- Assisted Living (The Arbors): Private one- and two-bedroom units with 24-hour assistance for daily living tasks.
- Memory Care: Secure environment focusing on dignity and autonomy for residents with dementia or memory issues.
- Long-Term Skilled Nursing (The Glen): Specialized, round-the-clock nursing and therapy care.
- Respite Care: Short-term stays allowing caregivers a break while residents receive full access to amenities.
- Rehabilitation (Ascend Rehabilitation): Short-term therapy services (physical, occupational, speech) via Baylor Scott & White collaboration.
- Healthcare Collaboration
Ventana partnered with Baylor Scott & White Health, bringing onsite geriatric medical direction, house-call service for residents, chaplaincy, and access to enhanced healthcare services such as Signature Medicine.
Lifestyle, Culture & Member Experience
Ventana emphasizes a holistic, vibrant lifestyle, aligned with its core principles: Connection, Independence, Purpose, Security, and Service.
Programming & Activities
- Daily, weekly, monthly events covering fitness, wellness lectures, social calls, educational classes, arts and cultural outings.
- Organized excursions to cultural landmarks like the Dallas Museum of Art, the Arboretum, the Arts District, the Symphony, White Rock Lake, and NorthPark shopping center.
Dining Experience
- Multiple culinary venues, including formal dining, casual café, bistro, coffee and juice bar, guided by a renowned chef such as Stephan Pyles.
- Highly praised by residents and families for quality and variety.
Testimonials & Community Sentiment
Residents and families appreciate the beautiful, modern design, friendly staff, and robust programs:
- Modern, well-maintained facilities with spacious apartments and great views.
- Exceptional dining and supportive staff noted frequently.
However, there are notable concerns, particularly regarding:
- Fee increases that burden fixed-income residents.
- Inconsistent care in skilled nursing and rehab—complaints about medication errors, slow responses, staffing turnover, and professionalism gaps.
These mixed reviews suggest high marks in lifestyle and independent living, but areas for improvement in clinical care services.
Summary & Perspective
Strengths:
- Exceptional design and location: Twin high-rise towers boast architectural elegance, expansive views, and convenient access to cultural and commercial amenities.
- Comprehensive care continuum: From independent living to memory care, rehab, and skilled nursing—all under one community.
- Community-focused culture: Rich programming, social events, and dining excellence support vibrant living.
- High ratings and accolades: Recognition for both design and care services by reputable outlets.
Areas for Consideration:
- Cost concerns: Fee increases may challenge those on fixed incomes.
- Inconsistent skilled care: Resident feedback highlights variability in the clinical services, signaling a need for greater quality control.
- Staff turnover in clinical areas: Reliance on agency staff may affect continuity of care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is Ventana by Buckner Retirement Community?
A. Ventana by Buckner is a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) operated by Buckner Senior Living. It provides a complete range of living and healthcare options for seniors in one location, allowing residents to age in place while enjoying an active, vibrant lifestyle.
Q: How many homes are in the community?
A. Ventana features approximately 325 private residences across its twin towers. These residences are supported by multiple levels of care facilities that allow residents to transition smoothly if their healthcare needs change over time.
Q: What types of homes are available?
A. The community offers a variety of home styles, including one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and larger customized apartment homes. All residences are designed with modern finishes, spacious layouts, and large windows that provide natural light and stunning views of Dallas.
Q: What amenities are available?
Residents have access to a wide array of amenities, such as:
- Indoor heated pool and jacuzzi
- State-of-the-art fitness center and wellness studio
- Movie theater and library
- Rooftop gardens and outdoor terraces
- Salon, spa, and creative arts studio
- Fine dining restaurants, casual cafés, and bistros
- Underground and valet parking
- Pet-friendly spaces and walking areas
Q: Are there educational opportunities?
A. Yes. Ventana regularly hosts lectures, workshops, and continuing education programs designed to stimulate intellectual growth. Residents also enjoy partnerships with local cultural and educational institutions, which offer classes, arts programs, and guest speaker events.
Q: What healthcare facilities are nearby?
A. Ventana has an on-site partnership with Baylor Scott & White Health, ensuring residents receive excellent medical care. In addition, Dallas is home to several nationally recognized hospitals and healthcare providers, making advanced medical care easily accessible when needed.
Q: What shopping and dining options are available?
A. Located across from NorthPark Center, one of the nation’s premier shopping malls, residents have immediate access to luxury retail stores, boutiques, and a wide selection of dining options. The community itself also offers diverse dining experiences, from fine dining prepared by renowned chefs to casual eateries and coffee bars.
Q: What recreational activities are nearby?
A. Ventana residents are close to Dallas’s vibrant cultural and recreational scene. Opportunities include visits to the Dallas Museum of Art, the Dallas Arboretum, White Rock Lake for outdoor activities, and the Arts District for concerts, opera, and theater performances.
Q: What committees are available for residents?
A. Residents are encouraged to take part in community committees that promote engagement and leadership. Committees may focus on dining services, wellness programs, social events, or resident feedback, giving members an active voice in shaping life at Ventana.
Conclusion
Ventana by Buckner Retirement Community stands as a premier choice for seniors who desire luxury, security, and connection in their retirement years. With its state-of-the-art design, diverse amenities, healthcare partnerships, and strong sense of community, Ventana provides more than a home—it provides a fulfilling lifestyle.