Environments for Aging - Fall 2016 - 56

REMODEL/RENOVATION COMPETITION

Fredericka Manor CHULA VISTA, CALIF.
Submitted by: CastleRock Design Group, Inc. NEWPORT BEACH, CALIF.
Cost per square foot: $102
Transforming a cavernous

counter experience. As requested by

cafeteria-style dining hall into a

residents and staff, flexibility became

restaurant-style venue to engage

a hallmark of the design to improve

residents and enhance dining

function and offer programming

options was the goal at Fredericka

needs beyond typical dining hours.

Manor. The renovation and re-

The cafeteria-style serving line was

imagination of this space represent

replaced with a new exposition-cook-

a dramatic change in experience

ing element, which is a shining jewel

for residents, staff, and visi-

of this crown. The chef is out front

tors. The original large dining hall

allowing residents to see, hear, and

was crafted into an intimate, color-

smell their fare being created. A large,

ful, and purposeful dining venue,

and previously unused, section of the

allowing choice and variety in the

dining room was raised to give diners

dining experience. The existing

an elevated experience and capitalize

space offered a vast opportunity,

on the views of the beautiful gardens.

through its existing mid-century

This new area also provides an op-

architecture and lovely views to

portunity for designated events, like

gardens and pond. The overall

private parties and celebrations, as

scale of the space needed careful

well as corporate meetings, which

thought and consideration, while

was not available before. The left side

the charge was to provide options

of the buffet is the designated area for

that were nonexistent before,

the smaller crowd at breakfast and

and open up opportunities for

lunch, allowing the natural light and

bar offerings. Flooring now reflects

breakfast and lunch dining in a

designed with a more casual style, but

seamless transitions between the

defined area for staff to serve more

still connected to the space.

hard-surface and carpeting. Chairs

efficiently.
Engaging the residents and staff,

One cannot miss the unique archi-

PHOTO (AFTER): MICHAEL BAXTER PHOTOGRAPHY

Design team: Mark Seres,
director of design; Natalie
McClaran, designer (CastleRock
Design Group Inc.); Charlie
Dusenberry, president (CKD2);
Craig Sumner, executive director
(Fredericka Manor)

with firm seat cushions and proper

tectural structure in the center of the

arm heights allow for easier lifting

as part of the design process, pro-

room, which reflects the mid-century

from a sitting to a standing position.

vided insight, function, and design

artistic elements, constructed of

A variety of table combinations

preferences. Based on their input,

decorative resin panels that allow light

can accommodate groups of two to

the team arranged the large imper-

to flood the space and create a focal

twelve, plus booths and banquettes,

sonal space, into smaller settings

point from every seat. This intention-

all to provide flexibility.

that offered improved and new

ally defined space has proper-sized

The renovation is clearly enjoyed

ideas for programming including

openings for residents with walkers

by the residents as they spend more

a Wine Lab and a sophisticated

accessing all directions and provides

time and engage with friends and

take on an exhibition diner-style

access to a designated buffet and salad

family. The success not seen is the
ease of navigation without confusion or disorientation and a more
human-scaled space. Balanced with
flexibility and innovative design, the
dining experience now fosters more
opportunity to engage.

BEFORE

Jury comments:
* Good commons transformation,
including creating partially
exposed and user-friendly
kitchen area.
* Dining destinations encourage
relationships and socializing. 
This renovation has captured
the essence of conversion from
a cafeteria to an upscale dining.
Well done.
* Beautiful integration of artistic
and natural beauty in a warm
and inviting environment.
Reader comments:
* Amazing transformation!
* It looks so inviting with
a beautifully updated,
contemporary feel. Sets the
bar high!
* Love the warm colors of
Fredericka Manor out of the
50s and into the new age.

BEFORE

PHOTO (AFTER): MICHAEL BAXTER PHOTOGRAPHY

56

Environments for Aging * special supplement
Environments for Aging - Fall 2016

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