Oct 24 2012
Adding to its project portfolio, retirement community planner and developer Covenant Solutions recently completed two senior living projects and broke ground on a third.
Repositioning in urban Seattle
Downtown Seattle retirement community Horizon House is poised for the demands of 21st century retirees now that Covenant Solutions executed a master plan that included major infrastructure, operational and cosmetic upgrades.
Horizon House engaged Covenant Solutions to develop and execute a master plan that would reposition it two oldest buildings, including its 60-year-old central tower. According to Horizon House CEO Bob Anderson, the $6.1 million project enhances the marketability of the older units, maximizes the potential of the infrastructure and provides a foundation for improving dining and other resident services.
The community was occupied during the 10-month project, so minimizing resident disruption was important. "Not only did Covenant Solutions minimize disruption, they worked well with our philosophy of involving residents in a meaningful way," says Anderson. "They exceeded our expectations. We have beautifully remodeled common areas, including a main entry, lobby, dining room and bistro, all of which received rave reviews. At the same time they made sure the project stayed on budget and, to the extent possible, on schedule."
The project team included architect Rice Fergus Miller, Bremerton, Wash., and general contractor Rushforth, Tacoma, Wash.
Renovation on Mercer Island, Wash.
At Covenant Shores retirement community, Mercer Island, Wash., Covenant Solutions led the $2 million remodeling and renovation of four residential buildings. The project included new roofs, site drainage improvement, new fire sprinkler systems, electrical system upgrades and common area upgrades.
"Completing the project in 11 months, Covenant Solutions not only coordinated the development team, they worked hand-in-hand with residents to ensure the project proceeded without excessive impact on residents' lifestyle," says Covenant Shores Executive Director Anne Arakaki-Lock.
Project architect was Rice Fergus Miller, Bremerton, Wash.; general contractor was Edifice Construction, Woodinville, Wash.
Multipurpose building in Santa Barbara, Calif.
At The Samarkand retirement community in Santa Barbara, Calif., Covenant Solutions recently broke ground for a $6.4 million, 9,200-square-foot multipurpose building. To be called the LifeCenter, the two-story building will be filled with resident amenities, including fitness and aerobic spaces, a cafe, classrooms, multipurpose rooms and medical offices.
"Like the projects in Seattle and Mercer Island, we involved residents in every step of the planning process," explains Paul Aigner, Covenant Solutions senior vice president. "For established communities, ensuring resident acceptance is just as important as ensuring the project is fiscally responsible and on schedule."
In addition to Covenant Solutions, the project team for The Samarkand LifeCenter will be Kilburn Architects, Seattle, and general contractor Trabucco & Associates, Santa Barbara.