RENOVATION / REPOSITIONING (BUILDING) NOMINEE
St. James Place
St. James Place was founded in 1983 as a premier CCRC providing a high quality of life for nearly 400 residents. “The Square” was once the main entrance, but over the years, it became tired, began to be filled with offices, less amenities, and the main entrance was moved to the newer (2004) north campus. The vision for this renovation was to revitalize and transform the space into a highly appealing central hub of activity, designed with future residents in mind, open it up to community use, and to return it to the main entrance and focus of campus.
The central goal was to increase occupancy in the two 3-story, 40-year-old apartment buildings that flank The Square. The project involved moving offices and storage out of this area and completely gutting and renovating the interior and exterior. The project involved new windows and whitewashing the brick exterior to give an updated appearance. The interior scope included all new wall and floor finishes, focusing on use of space, travel patterns, dramatically raising ceilings and enlarging doorways. New lighting and millwork were installed, and glass partitioning and glass doors were used to provide light and openness throughout.
Exterior Entry Before | After
Lobby Before | After
The renovation of the lobby created a mentally and emotionally pleasing entrance.
The temperate California climate also encourages an indoor/outdoor lifestyle, inspiring our members to enjoy
outdoor dining and lounging next to the fireplace in our courtyard.
Coffee Bistro Before | After
Renamed The Blue Heron Bistro, it is now the center hub of campus activity.
Designed to offer each member an elevated and engaged life, including the Elegant Palmer Library and Lobby.
Club Room Before | After
Previously, the Card Room – renamed the Club Room after the renovation. Residents tested the furniture for comfort and accessibility. The Club Room had small windows opening onto the front porch, low ceilings, and solid walls enclosing the space. The windows were enlarged, ceilings raised with dramatic coffering, and full glass walls enclosing the space. The new millwork and fireplace wall creates a dramatic view as you enter.
Sales Office Before | After
The sales office was relocated to The Square so visitors see the vibrancy of the area.
Convocation Room Before | After
The Convocation Room was originally designed with low ceilings and a structural column in the center of the room. The column was removed, higher coffered ceilings built, and new perimeter lighting art wall installed for displaying resident art shows. The stage was re-imagined with custom church furniture to serve as the altar for worship services, including a hidden door to the sacristy with custom stained glass by a local artist. When the altar doors are closed, the room serves a variety of other purposes.
Art Room Before | After
The new Art & Crafts Room utilized a stepped ceiling design similar to the Lobby. Windows were added to the space, giving the room bright, natural light. New millwork and cubbies were provided for residents to store art supplies and in-progress artwork. The art tables have been fitted with electrical outlets to provide easy plug-in.
Theatre Before | After
Theater room was transformed so residents can gather to enjoy movies, sporting events, and presentations on a large flat panel screen with a surround sound audio system. The room was brought to life with new finishes, additional windows, vivid colors, theater style side wall panels and sconces, and large, functional theater chairs that can be utilized for multi-purpose activities.
Dining Room Before | After
Renamed after the renovation, Belle Fountaine for the new water sculpture, the area was expanded into unused space.The existing Dining Room was expanded into an adjacent, unused storage space, while ceilings were raised with large coffers and dramatic light fixtures, along with an extensive salad and dessert bar. Large window openings were added, with a landscaped courtyard and sugar kettle fountain as the view of the exterior.
Courtyard Before | After
Dramatic landscape lighting enhances the courtyard at night. This was formerly a service area with a dumpster, but now has new glass entry doors serve as a convenient, secondary entrance to the Belle Fountaine restaurant and The Square.