How Dover Development and Erin Hellmann Bring Cedarhurst Communities to Life

When a new Cedarhurst community opens its doors, it reveals more than a thoughtfully constructed building - it unveils a living canvas of comfort, safety, style, and emotion. Behind that canvas is Erin Hellmann, Senior Vice President at Dover Development, whose design philosophy has helped redefine what senior living can feel like. Her most recent masterpiece? Cedarhurst of Wentzville.

Erin doesn’t approach design with a particular aesthetic in mind. Instead, she embraces a unique challenge: creating a space that speaks to many different backgrounds and personal styles. “I’m not designing my own home,” she shares.

“This is a home for every resident, each with their own story and preferences. That’s why I incorporate a mix of styles - timeless architecture layered with expressive furniture and artwork.”

Cedarhurst buildings often feature traditional elements like wood beams, built-ins, and classic lighting to set a warm and familiar tone. Then Erin adds fresh energy through curated furniture, colorful art, and creative installations. “Furniture choices are 100% customized for seniors,” she notes. “From cushion firmness to seat height and upholstery durability, everything is selected with both safety and dignity in mind.”

Art plays a powerful role in residents’ health and happiness. Citing studies that show artwork can reduce stress, blood pressure, and spark memories, Erin selects a range of visuals. “You’ll find local photography and landscape paintings, impressionist works, abstract pieces, and even 3D art,” she says. “Artwork should feel familiar and spark something positive - whether that’s nostalgia, joy, or just a moment of peace.”

Flooring is another subtle yet significant design element. At Cedarhurst of Wentzville, transitions between materials are seamless. By removing traditional threshold strips and using integrated luxury vinyl tile and carpet, mobility is enhanced, and trip hazards are reduced.

Designing for a New Generation

As senior living evolves, so do the expectations of its residents, especially baby boomers. Erin understands that today’s seniors seek more than just care; they seek connection, experiences, and independence. “Boomers value wellness, technology, and beautiful environments,” she explains. “So, we focus on creating smaller, more intentional spaces that encourage engagement.”

Cedarhurst of Wentzville reflects this approach. Cozy social areas such as the bistro and bar are located right off the main living spaces. “We wanted the bistro to feel like a trendy but inviting neighborhood coffee shop,” Erin says. “Think warm leather seating, velvet upholstery, vintage lighting - a space that feels just as natural for coffee and conversation as it does for reading or working on a laptop.”

These spaces are thoughtfully defined through architectural details like beams, ceiling recesses, and floor pattern shifts, guiding residents from one area to the next while maintaining openness.

Both the bistro and bar feature large windows and direct access to patios, reinforcing Cedarhurst’s commitment to indoor-outdoor living and natural light. “These design choices might seem small,” Erin says, “but they dramatically enhance daily life and well-being.”

Inviting Creativity and Connection

For Erin, designing a Cedarhurst community means more than meeting physical needs, it means sparking joy and curiosity. That’s why the Wentzville prototype includes a vibrant creativity hub, open on two sides to the hallway and intentionally filled with color and inspiration.

"I want people to walk in and say, I'd love to live here."
- Erin Hellmann

“This space is meant to invite,” she says. “Whether it’s painting, sewing, or designing something entirely new, I wanted to offer a place where residents feel encouraged to explore who they are creatively.”

Another favorite space is the community room - a flexible, light-filled environment with varied seating that can host everything from daily dining to special events. It opens into a theater, and adjacent to it sits a cozy lounge anchored by a two-sided fireplace. “It’s a space that encourages connection in all its forms,” Erin says.

The Heart of Home

Ultimately, Erin’s mission goes beyond architecture and interior design. It’s about creating environments that resonate emotionally. “When residents and their families walk into a new Cedarhurst community, I want them to feel something right away,” she shares. “I want them to see a reflection of themselves; of the life they’ve lived and the life they want to continue living.”

Erin’s goal is ambitious: to shift perceptions of what senior living can be. “I want people to walk in and say, ‘I’d love to live here,’” she says. “Because when that happens, visiting becomes joyful, and living here becomes something to be proud of.”

At Cedarhurst of Wentzville, that vision is coming to life - one thoughtful detail at a time.

This article originally appeared in the Summer 2025 issue of Flourish^®  Magazine.

About the Author

Ryan Davis is the Corporate Communications Manager at Cedarhurst Senior Living and the writer behind every story in Flourish^® magazine. He holds a Communications degree from Indiana University and brings 19 years of experience to his role, which he began in January 2024. Ryan is passionate about storytelling, especially sharing the meaningful lives of Cedarhurst residents, families, and staff. He hopes each published story becomes a treasured legacy for loved ones.