This Renovated Mansion Puts a Stylish Spin on Aging in Place

Completed in 1914 after seven years of construction, the Werner House in Columbus, Ohio, has worn several hats in its 100+ years. The Prohibition-era mansion went from a lively family home complete with its very own speakeasy to a rooming house during the Great Depression.

Like the Werner House, its current owner and part-time resident, Lisa M. Cini, wears many hats. An author, CEO and senior-living expert specializing in aging-in-place design, Lisa has transformed the mansion into a beautifully designed vacation destination with an endless list of aging-in-place and ADA-accessible technologies. “While living in the home prior to renovating, I kept getting the feeling I was supposed to share the home with everyone, allowing them to really try out all the design tips, tricks and tech that I wrote and spoke about,” she says.

Staying at the Werner House is also a chance for you to see how any home — even a historic one — can be adapted to include aging-in-place features. Book a stay at the historic Werner House to see for yourself.

The sprawling estate is now filled with functional and fun amenities that help seniors and disabled individuals enjoy a short-term vacation while trying the latest independent-living tools on for size. "My mission was to merge the very best design with the most innovative technology for aging in place and senior living all in one elegant residence," says Lisa.

While the updated mansion is full of modern technology and products geared toward senior living and ADA accessibility, Lisa and her collaborators were intent on maintaining the historic beauty of the mansion. By restoring the ceiling and refinishing the original ceiling tiles, the elegant dining room has been brought back to its circa-1900s glory.

There are accessibility features in every corner of this home, even if you can't spot them. The home's original grand staircase was made safer and more accessible with one simple change. By extending the gap between the carpeting and rails from the standard 2-3 inches to a full 9 inches, those that rely on the handrail have a much steadier footing and no longer have to worry about their feet straddling the edge of the carpet. This small change doesn't compromise the beauty of the staircase at all but makes it much safer.