Falling Water Inspired Home Gets Rebirth as Postpartum Center

In the late 60’s, developer and sports franchise owner Robert Schmertz asked architect Donald C. Mallow to design a Frank Lloyd Wright inspired home in Lakewood, New Jersey. Mallow obliged Schmertz and designed a magnificent estate with similarities to Wright’s famed Falling Water. The project drew rave reviews from the community as well as the architectural world. James Morgan, writer for Architectural Record praised the structure in its 1971 cover story stating, “It is a building … that does not rely upon innovation or design tricks for its impact. Rather it is impressive as an example of thorough mastery of a wide range of architectural ideas synthesized with clarity and intellectual economy.”

The home also left an impact on a young man from Lakewood, David Sebbag, who admired the home for many years. Sebbag, like the original owner Schmertz, was also a real estate developer and entrepreneur. In 1988, Sebbag realized his dream of owning the Schmertz property. Subsequently, the family moved in and enjoyed the estate for over 20 years. Over time the Sebbag children became young adults and moved out, and business opportunities took Mr. Sebbag to Colorado. Despite his move, he was reluctant to sell the cherished property in his hometown. Successful in business and philanthropic, Sebbag wanted to give the property new life and put it to use for the benefit of the community.

The Lakewood New Jersey area is home to a vibrant Jewish community. Sebbag, also Jewish, saw an unmet need in the community. Many Jewish women would give birth only to return home with a newborn in 48 hours to the rigors of caring for children and managing housework. Sebbag came across a solution in Brooklyn – a postpartum center.

In the Jewish tradition, women would go to their mother’s home after giving birth for rest and assistance caring for the newborn. In today’s world, this dynamic is becoming less frequent. In many cases today, the older children of a large Jewish family still living at home marry and have children of their own while their young siblings are still at home. As this phenomenon developed over the years, so has the tradition for the expectant couple’s parents and family to gift the expectant mother a stay at a postpartum center, much like a gift given at a baby shower.

Overseeing the transformation of the prized residence into a postpartum center is David Sebbag’s daughter, Abigail Sebbag Cohen. She and her husband work in the family business overseeing operations in New Jersey. More importantly for this project, Abigail’s leadership is ideal because Abigail shares her father’s fondness for the home, and is a champion for Jewish women’s needs. She is an experienced doula, a woman who is trained to assist other women during childbirth and who may provide support to the family after the baby is born. Caring for women is a passion of hers, while she also has five children of her own at home. “I’m a big believer in caring for women during the birthing process and ensuring they heal properly after having a baby. The chances of suffering postpartum depression decrease significantly after a stay in a postpartum center. It benefits the whole family.”

In Abigail’s words she characterizes the center as “A hotel for women after they have a baby, where the mother is pampered while care is provided for the young one.” Abigail proudly explains, “It will be more than just a mother-baby center. It will be a day spa offering postpartum classes and support services like a lactation consultant as well as offer a sauna, pool and juice bar.” The Center is aptly named “La Isha”, Hebrew for woman.

The Sebbag property renovation started in 2015 and concluded in early 2018. The luxury 5-star resort with world-class amenities a includes a 15,000 SF addition and features a total of 24 private guest rooms including 4 rooms for women recovering from surgery who do not have babies.

Abigail has put much thought into the client experience at La Isha Kimpatorin. All employees will be female to ensure that women are fully relaxed. This is based on Jewish tradition and maintaining one’s modesty as they would in their own home. There are no men allowed in the center except for an independent banquet room that has separate access for men. This room allows families to visit and host celebrations like a young boy’s circumcision.

Helping Abigail on the unique project is Denver, CO architect Daniel Krausz, who she credits with the design and praises his creativity. Also part of her team is the interior design firm of DesignPoint, Inc. who is working closely with the architect to develop the interiors. The interiors are crucial to the client comfort and experience, especially given the needs of the clients and their customs, and that’s where DesignPoint comes in. “We have worked together for over 10 years, and I love working with DesignPoint,” says Abigail.

The solid relationship between the Sebbag’s and DesignPoint allows the interior design team to be educated on orthodox customs and traditions. La Isha is designed with the Jewish woman in mind, but the center is open to all.

Abigail praises DesignPoint’s interior designers for being creative and receptive to education and feedback. Abigail shares that “the team has done an excellent job of marrying the feminine aspect with the Jewish aspect. This includes rich and modern design touches that appeal to sophisticated women. They created an appealing palette of lavender, grays, and creams to provide a warm and relaxing interior.”

For more information on La Isha Kimpatorin visit laishanj.com.

To learn more about the interior design services of DesignPoint, including similar work in health care and medical settings visit www.designpoint-interiors.com.

Located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, DesignPoint works on both regional and national levels. DesignPoint, Inc. is a full-service Interior Design & Procurement Firm with a focus on corporate, hospitality, senior living, medical offices, and high-end residential interiors. When considering new interior construction or renovations, DesignPoint will provide a comprehensive package of interior architectural space planning, construction documents, and furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) procurement services for a successful project. For more information about the firm call 610-807-9670.