Projects
Patriots Colony
Williamsburg, VA
Expanding and Updating Dining Venues
The main goal of this dining renovation and expansion was to provide a casual contemporary dining experience while also accommodating additional residents thanks to a new independent living product introduced on the campus. Casual dining was expanded and formal, full-service dining received a refresh in a more intimate restaurant space. As the only on-campus dining available to independent living residents, the kitchen and a portion of the dining area had to be functional throughout the carefully phased updates.
Building on the Popularity of Casual Venues
The tavern has always been a popular space with residents who frequently gather for pre-dinner happy hours. Many residents liked to remain in the tavern for dinner, but there was rarely enough seating. We incorporated two rarely used adjacent dining rooms to create a larger, less formal venue modeled after a local Williamsburg-style pub.
In the casual bistro expansion and addition, display cooking now brings the sights and sounds of food preparation out into the dining area as well as giving residents more opportunities to interact with those preparing their meals. The appealing colonial elements were maintained, but updated with a fresh and natural color scheme that reflects the vibrancy of the adjacent patio and the campus landscaping visible through the large storefront-style windows.
We replaced formerly obtrusive acoustic panels in the formal dining venue with panels that blend into the surroundings, but still help with acoustics in the space. Wait stations are now smaller and in less obtrusive locations allowing the food and ambiance to take center stage instead of the serving utilities. Additionally, soft seating added around the refaced two-sided fireplace not only serves as a focal point, but to also offer diners a comfortable place to sit while waiting to be seated for dinner.
Introducing an Outdoor Dining Option
An new outdoor patio area provides an al fresco dining opportunity. This popular new space features dining tables, a pavilion, fire pit and outdoor grilling area. Community gardens needed to be relocated to make room for the dining addition and patio. Residents, initially resistant to moving their gardens, were satisfied with replacement gardens in a new location and the new space has become a well-loved amenity for all residents.
On the tight site, a new maintenance building needed to sit directly beside the expanded patio. Thus, this service building received a higher level of detail/finishes including a herringbone brick detail inset into stucco wall, a partially bricked façade, as well as a roof that coordinates with the adjacent dining gazebo to make the back of the building a feature instead of an eyesore. Additionally, the existing pond located only steps away from the expanded patio needed special considerations and protection both while the renovations were in progress and after completion to keep the view to the pond open. Instead of taller shrubbery, groundcover plantings allow for unobstructed views.
Award: Environments for Aging Remodel-Renovation Competition Bronze Winner
“What an upgrade for the lives of the residents and guests. The addition of casual dining and outdoor dining complements the services already provided and rounds out the offering with an understated elegance. I appreciated the effort taken to break a large space into more intimate “rooms” that provide great scale. The colors, textures, patterns are selected to engage, but not overpower, the individual entering the space. The storefront windows connect the outdoor spaces with the indoor areas nicely. I also appreciate the attention to the view shed and additional work done on the maintenance building to enhance the experience for those on the patio. The display cooking in the casual dining area creates an energetic and engaging experience as well.”
Juror Comments
Photography Credit: Nathan Cox Photography
Fig & Barrel Pub
York, PA
“It had to be old.”
The Fig & Barrel Pub building, located in the Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB) district for the City of York, was 110 years old by the time RLPS had the opportunity to help the new owners shape it. Originally built by the York Traction Company (which would later become York Railways Company) and subsequently the home for the Edison Light & Power Company, the building itself is full of history. The interior fit-out for this adaptive reuse honors both the history housed within the brick walls and the vision of the new owners.
“It had to be authentic.”
The Fig & Barrel Pub couldn’t look or feel like just any pub. Like the bitters and pizzas made from scratch within the Pub, the building needed to feel authentic to both the city that was built around it and the business it now houses. Lighting selections remind patrons of the history of the building, evoking a turn-of-the-century feel. A tall fireplace feature was added and designed to reflect the historic industrial feel. Hard and soft seating of varied heights in bold colors complement the rustic wood of the tables and bar; the bar itself features a floor to ceiling rolling library ladder, turning the liquor stock into a display. A new production kitchen, complete with a wood-fired oven, rounds out the renovation.
“It had to have loads of history.”
The original brick was restored and turned into a feature of the interior. Instead of covering it up and modernizing it, the whole design rests on the historical material. While the building needed updating, it was important that it didn’t look like it had been modernized. On the outside facing Cherry Lane, the historic building plaque is still proudly displayed. Ultimately, this space meets the owner’s criteria that it “had to be old, it had to be authentic, and it had to have loads of history.”
Photo Credit: Matthew Tennison Photography
Longwood at Oakmont
Verona, PA
This LEED Silver Certified apartment building and clubhouse project is positioned on a hillside with views of Pittsburgh and the Oakmont Country Club. The clubhouse provides varied dining options including a bistro with display kitchen, formal dining with terrace seating, hearthside dining and a lounge area. The apartment building includes a fitness room, creative arts studio and multi-purpose rooms. This LEED Silver Certified apartment building and clubhouse project is positioned on a hillside with views of Pittsburgh and the Oakmont Country Club. The clubhouse provides varied dining options including a bistro with display kitchen, formal dining with terrace seating, hearthside dining and a lounge area. The apartment building includes a fitness room, creative arts studio and multi-purpose rooms.
Awards: LEED for Homes Silver Certification
Photo Credit: Larry Lefever Photography
The Village at Orchard Ridge, a National Lutheran Home Community
Winchester, VA
Inspired by the traditional American small town, the chapel and town center form the Village Green which is encircled by a variety of senior living and care options. Located on a challenging 132-acre site, the community exemplifies neo-traditional design and incorporates pedestrian-friendly town planning concepts. Phase I included apartments, community center, patio homes, assisted living and paired skilled nursing and memory care small houses.
Awards: Exhibition and Publication in AIA/LeadingAge Design for Aging Review & Publication in Environments for Aging Design Showcase
Photo Credit: Larry Lefever Photography
Providence Point
Pittsburgh, PA
This 845,000 SF CCRC/Life Plan Community is located on a 32 acre hillside site with panoramic views of the greater Pittsburgh area. Six and seven story apartment wings share a landscaped courtyard that covers an underground parking garage. The health center, assisted living and memory support households are connected to the kitchen, laundry and other services via an underground corridor connection for discreet service deliveries. Phase 2 is currently underway to add more apartments, expand dining and provide a chapel.
Awards: Published in the AIA/LeadingAge Design for Aging Review
Photo Credit: Larry Lefever Photography
The Lutheran Village at Miller’s Grant
Ellicott City, MD
This project began with master planning for a new CCRC/Life Plan Community on a 50-acre site. The recently completed Phase 1 included 205 apartments, 20 assisted living residences, 12 skilled nursing beds and common spaces within six connected buildings. The first phase also included 24 single and six duplex villas, a spa/beauty shop, fitness center and physical therapy suite. We have recently begun design work on Phase II which includes additional commons, skilled care and assisted listing additions, as well as an aquatics center addition.
Photo Credit: Nathan Cox Photography