Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay - Design Center - discussion of renovation of this retirement community

Nursing Homes, March, 2003

Virginia Beach, Virginia

TYPE OF FACILITY/SETTING: Retirement Community

CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR: Erle Marie Latimer, President

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN: SFCS, Inc.

(540) 344-6664

INTERIOR DESIGN: Design Purchase Link

(410) 563-8900

RESIDENT CAPACITY: 446 Independent Living apartments; 109 Assisted Living apartments; 75 Healthcare beds; 14 Dementia units

TOTAL AREA (SQ. FT.): 180,000 (new Parking Garage); 336,000 (new Residential Tower); 23,000 (Renovation)

CONSTRUCTION COST: $56 million (excluding land)

COST/SQ. FT.: $106 (new Residential Tower); $45 (new Parking Garage); $85 (Renovation)

ADMINISTRATOR'S COMMENTS

Erle Marie Latimer, President: "We found in the early 1990s that we were working with an outdated design and that, as a result, we weren't being competitive. We knew we needed to offer state-of-the-art services, which to some degree are made possible by state-of-the-art spaces.

"Our market consists of independent, healthy, active retirees. We knew that if they found our community unattractive or uninviting, they wouldn't choose us. They might not choose another community, either, but they might remain at home rather than coming here. It was clear that we had to change our physical look.

"It took several years to develop our plan, and residents who were living here before the renovation didn't quite understand why anything had to change. Now that the renovation and expansion have been completed, they're really enjoying living in the new spaces. And we've reached the share of the market that wants larger apartments, fancier plans, state-of-art dining, and other amenities.

"One feature that's been extremely popular with residents is our new casual cafe; it has broken all records for demand. Another thing that sets us apart is our waterfront location. All of our dining spaces and some of our other common spaces, such as the Bayview Room, have beautiful views overlooking the water. Before the renovation, when you came through the front door you'd be hard pressed to get a glimpse of the water. Our architects moved the doorway, and now when you walk in you look straight out onto water. They really took full advantage of our beautiful site, and residents and staff alike enjoy the magnificent views.

"We now have a feature for our staff's benefit that I haven't seen in any other community: a dedicated staff dining room and cafeteria line. This has increased the staff's feeling of camaraderie, aided their communication, and helped them have a common agenda. It's a communal space for them that they enjoy and really live in. This new space has made a great deal of difference to our employees.

"Formerly we had one residential tower and a healthcare wing, which were connected on the ground floor. We've added another residential tower, and the two towers are now connected not only on the ground floor, but also at a second-level crossover, giving staff easier access to the entire building, which is much more efficient.

"The renovation and expansion were challenging for the residents who were already living here. But they were troupers, and our terrific staff helped them through the transition. For example, when residents had to move into a smaller space for meals while the dining room was being renovated and needed to be seated school-cafeteria style, they marveled at how much this seating arrangement helped them get to know each other better. Staff called it their 'cruise,' and designated a different port of call that served as a monthly theme in the temporary dining room. The residents had fun with it, and they came through all the changes feeling more connected with each other and more confident. As they welcome newcomers today, they do so with sense of pride and accomplishment."