RENOVATION / REPOSITIONING (BUILDING)

Verena at Hilliard

The revitalization of a planned retirement community that had been vacant and incomplete since 2009 is a success story in efficiently and effectively repositioning an existing development into an independent senior living community.

Leading the revitalization effort at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the design team upgraded and modernized the residential unit interiors that were in various stages of completion, renovated the exterior and interior spaces of the existing 150-unit residential building, and designed the new 9,000 SF clubhouse addition. The prairie inspired design of the existing residential building featured horizontal lines and low slung roof that were carried through in the architectural design of the new clubhouse that serves as the new face and social hub for the entire community.

Architectural continuity with the new clubhouse building was achieved by refreshing the existing residential building with complementary gray cladding and extending the lines and deep eaves of the surrounding architecture. Nestled into a slope, the new one-story clubhouse is carefully situated in the foreground with special attention given to balancing scale, form, and connection with the existing four-story residential building and public library in the background. The new clubhouse gracefully contours to the site and creates a cascading transition between old and new. The existing terrace level interior spaces were re-programmed and positioned to blend with the new clubhouse and establish a central hub of activity. Carving amenity spaces into the existing terrace level of the residential building naturally formed areas for interaction, recreation, and retreat, connected by spaces for programs, events, and social exchange. The balance of active and private places provide residents the ability to manage their individual health and wellness with an array of resources within, and outside, the community.