INDEPENDENT LIVING NOMINEE
John Knox Village
John Knox Village is revolutionizing generational living by introducing an innovative hospitality and wellness model. To kickstart this transformation, the design team collaborated in a comprehensive campus master plan, which also facilitated a community rebranding. The plan highlighted the importance of spaces between existing buildings, revealing a crucial missing element: a central campus heart that aligns with the long-term vision for both residents and the community. The site was reimagined as an ‘experience district,’ with a strong lake-side pedestrian-centric path linking social, cultural, fitness, dining, and residential nodes.
The heart of this new vision is embodied in two significant additions: The Vue and the Terrace of Westlake, a connected 15-story and 11-story residential tower offering 147 luxurious lakefront apartments ranging from 1,277 to 2,346 square feet. First floor amenity spaces connect to a new pedestrian network that encircles the recently developed lake, seamlessly integrating with the surrounding amenities. The centerpiece of these amenities is the Westlake Eatery, a food hall inspired dining venue offering a casual, fresh atmosphere, and BD’s French Press & Wine Bar offering up quick bites for all times of the day – wine, coffee drinks, and what is now becoming a resident favorite, quick serve coffee flavored ice cream treats.
Also at the core of this redevelopment is The Pavilion at John Knox Village’s Westlake, which features two distinct restaurants, The Pearl and Seaglass, connected through Barton’s Nautilus Bar. This bar, designed with a nautilus shell-inspired motif, serves as the central dining hub, facilitating a smooth dining experience throughout the day and acts as the host station for the adjacent restaurants. The Pearl offers dinners an elevated environment among the deep blue sea-themed carpeting and soaring, room encompassing lighting fixture. The Seaglass, a casual table-service restaurant, focuses on natural materials that emphasize the clean, modern feel of the space. The Pavilion is also home to the Cultural Arts Center, providing accessibility for both residents and community to exciting new events and performances. There is something for everyone, and the Life Enrichment Team strives for a packed calendar of engaging events each month.
Additional amenities include a high-tech projection theater, technology classroom, art studio, spiritual space, club room, library, BV French Press & Wine Bar – a bakery, coffee, and wine bar, and Westlake Eatery – a fast-casual food hall inspired restaurant for all day enjoyment. This strategic layout ensures that residents and visitors enjoy a vibrant, interconnected community experience.
The Central Energy Plant provides cooling for the Vue, Terrace of Westlake, the Pavilion, and two existing buildings on the John Knox Village campus, consolidating systems for greater efficiency.
