Medford Leas Dining Reinvention

The goals of this dining update were twofold. First, it repositioned to meet growing culinary and food service needs. Second, it created new experiences to reinvigorate residents’ engagement with the venues and connect with Medford Leas’ accredited arboretum setting. The campus gardens, meadows, forests, and trails informed the design objective to carry Medford Leas’ biophilic story throughout the new venues.

Project Highlights

Client:
Medford Leas

Location:
Medford, NJ

Services:
Architecture

Interior Design

Type:
Dining Reinvention

Commons

The former Colonial Dining Room, a formal, sit-down experience, has been transformed into the Café on the Atrium.

This new vibrant assembly of casual venues integrates a previously remote coffee shop while offering many culinary options throughout the day. Fireside, a tiled open-oven hearth, complements the grab-and-go Market and Coffee Shop. Other stations include a cook-to-order grill, hot food selections from the cycle menu, and a “fresh station” soup and salad bar. Each station has its own personality and venue voice.

A key part of the update was removing walls so that when residents arrive at the new cafe, they can intuitively read the space and offerings at each venue. The café flows out into the adjoining lounge, the Willow Room, where residents can enjoy a snack while playing cards or sip coffee gathered around the fireplace.

Wayfinding is not an issue; culinary experiences have become part of daily life. Furnishings, colors, and outdoor views provide nature connections from the café and lounge.

The adjacent terrace takes this further, allowing residents to be in nature. The terrace now has an outdoor kitchen, various seating, fire pits, pergolas and umbrellas to extend its use.

program and design concept

Based on Resident/Staff Input

Prior to the renovations, residents gave the dining program high marks on a satisfaction survey but sent a loud and clear message that capital improvements were needed.

The owners’ representative conducted focus group research with residents, potential residents, waitlist members, board members, and resident committees.

Using staff and residents’ feedback and close coordination with the Resident Food Committee, Medford Leas kept everyone informed and engaged in the process.

Functionally and Operationally

Better for All

The overarching goal was to create authentic and diverse experiences through updated culinary options that would appeal to residents throughout the day. This has been extremely well received, with residents now frequently inviting friends to join them.

The renovations and reorganization of dining spaces have improved workflow. A designated servers’ pantry outside the kitchen eliminates much evening traffic in the main kitchen. New kitchen offices and storage areas were also added.

The new service line features a waterless induction heating system that also serves as a tray line for service to assisted living and skilled nursing residences. New POS stations that will include mobile ordering capability reduce staffing needs.

Project Highlights

Based on Resident/Staff Input

Better for All

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