Environments for Aging - Fall 2017 - 56

M

ENTS FO

R

REMODEL/
RENOVATION

READERS'
CHOICE

ING

The Residences at Thomas Circle WASHINGTON, D.C.
Submitted by: Spellman Brady & Co. ST. LOUIS

N

AG

ENVIRO

REMODEL/RENOVATION COMPETITION

2017

Cost per square foot: $111

BEFORE

Design team: Melissa Keeney, director
of senior living (Spellman Brady & Co.);
Brad Caldwell, project manager (Bridge
Investment Group); Thomas Pavel,
general contractor (Medpro Contractors)
Photography: Alise O'Brien
Photography (after images)

Built in 1954, The Residences at

that maximized the budget to provide

Thomas Circle is located in the heart of

options for socializing. The new layout

downtown Washington, D.C. Our firm

gives premium spaces back to the resi-

completed a comprehensive interior

dents and allows them to enjoy views of

design, furniture, artwork, accessory

the outdoors.

planning, and procurement manage-

One crucial goal was to improve

ment for this renovation project.

the wayfinding and make the space

A complete overhaul of the main

more intuitive. This was accomplished

entrance enhanced the dark, difficult-

through clearly defining circulation

to-navigate lobby. Many spaces were

paths. The main focus was the entry to

reprogrammed in design and layout in

the reception desk as well as connect-

order to give greater satisfaction for the

ing the entry with the dining area and

residents, staff, and visitors.

hospitality pre-function spaces. Upon

The lobby originally had somber

entry, the previous reception desk was

aesthetics, inadequate lighting, and

hidden behind a wall; the updated

cupying the space, the construction had

poor wayfinding. Overall, the goal

reception area is more inviting. Remov-

to be done in four phases.  We worked

of this renovation was to create a

ing the wall at the entrance opened up

closely with the contractor to provide

hospitality-inspired environment with

the lobby and helped guide people to

minimal disruption for the residents

a timeless, sophisticated color palette

the reception desk. Using floor patterns

and staff.  In addition to a multiphased

that increased natural light.

and mixing ceramic tile with carpet

project and location in a high traffic

helped define space and circulation.

urban historic circle, there were very

hospitality lounge for residents and

The new flooring improved transitions

limited areas of parking for contrac-

guests along with a variety of seating in

to make the environment brighter and

tors and installation crews, creating a

the lounge. Additional seating spaces

more senior-friendly.

logistical challenge for all involved.

The renovated lobby contains a new

provided residents with more desirable

Light was also enhanced with a new

gathering areas. Previously, resident

ceiling and lighting plan. Lighter col-

gatherings were limited to lounge

ored finishes helped to achieve a more

furniture or the formal dining room.

open feeling and allowed the outdoors

In order to offer the variety of desirable

to come into the spaces.

areas, we created spaces that were
multifunctional and designed solutions
56

BEFORE

Since the project renovation
occurred while residents were still oc-

Environments for Aging * special supplement

Jury comments:
* Open and inviting communal
area with multiple seating
arrangements.
* Very lovey change from the dark
dated, to the warm historic feel
with a modern flare.

BEFORE

* Welcoming entrance with clear
definition. The subtle finishes are
very elegant, lighting is not over
done and attention was given to
details, including furniture.
* Excellent example of how interior
furniture and color can dramatically
change the experience. The areas
are light, inviting and feel more a
spa than a clinic.
Environments for Aging - Fall 2017

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