CCRC / LPC LITE
Benchmark at Alexandria
Located within the vibrant West Alex development in Alexandria, Virginia, Benchmark at Alexandria stands as a testament to innovative and sustainable senior living. This ten-story residential building was skillfully reimagined to meet the evolving needs of a new generation of seniors. It offers a prime residential experience in a city recently named the second-best U.S. city for retirement by BankRate.com, providing residents with an enriching environment and easy access to the cultural offerings of both Alexandria and Washington D.C.
The project’s most compelling case for “best in class” lies in its masterful engineering solutions. The team took a foundation originally designed for a seven-story office building and engineered it to support a new ten-story senior living community. This complex structural reinforcement, including column jacketing and a thirty-six-inch deep transfer slab, was executed with an operating parking garage directly below. This is an unparalleled feat of urban engineering that proves that with innovation, even the most challenging sites can be transformed into vibrant, functional communities.
Benchmark at Alexandria is a thoughtfully organized community that prioritizes resident well-being and independence. Each floor serves a distinct purpose, from the first floor’s social zones, including a restaurant, wine tasting room, and arts and crafts room, to the second floor’s fitness center and hair salon. The third and fourth floors are dedicated to memory care, featuring circadian lighting systems and strategically placed caregiver stations for personalized care. Crowning the structure is a luxurious penthouse amenity space that offers sweeping views of Alexandria and distinct outdoor areas for activities like yoga and al fresco dining.
Architectural and environmental elements were designed in harmony to create a healthy and sustainable living environment. The building emphasizes natural light with sixteen unique floor plans, each boasting ceiling heights exceeding ten feet and large windows. The exterior, a blend of face brick, cultured stone, and thermally glazed windows, is both aesthetically pleasing and energy-efficient. A Babylon Micro-Farm provides fresh produce for the on-site restaurant, giving residents a direct connection to nature. This commitment to sustainability has been recognized through the project’s pursuit of ENERGY STAR recognition, its achievement of LEEDv4 Gold, and its tracking for WELLv2 Silver certification. The building also incorporates a roof garden and water-saving features, reducing its environmental footprint and contributing to a comfortable microclimate.
Benchmark at Alexandria’s amenity and lifestyle features are designed to promote well-being and engagement. The first floor hosts a restaurant and wine tasting room, while the second floor features a fitness center and hair salon. A striking penthouse offers panoramic city views and outdoor dining. In memory care, a circadian lighting system supports health, and a Babylon Micro-Farm provides fresh produce. These amenities, alongside large windows and a roof garden, create a vibrant, connected, and supportive environment for all residents.
