Environments for Aging - Fall 2016 - 60

REMODEL/RENOVATION COMPETITION

The Patrician SAN DIEGO
Submitted by: GGLO SEATTLE
Cost per square foot: $152
Design team: Kimberly Frank,
principal-in-charge, project
manager; Michael S Wishkoski,
consulting principal; Marieke
Lacasse, project landscape
architect; Rachel Bickel, project
interior designer; Blake Williams,
project architect; James Greene,
landscape designer; Nancy Linne,
project interior designer

Merrill Garden's The Patrician

property's palm leaf logo was created
to be the lobby's focal point. The
reception desk was moved to the side
from its front-and-center location
while maintaining visual connections to the entrance and community
spaces beyond. The desk itself was
altered to have multiple counter
heights reachable by residents of
all accessibility needs. Above, the

is an active senior community

second-floor space was opened by

located in the lush and livable area

removing a solid wall that restricted

of La Jolla, a neighborhood within

views up as well as down. Partial-

San Diego. The aging look of the

height walls were cut down and a

community no longer matched the

glass rail was introduced that helped

client's dedication to "living the best

to brighten the room, allowing

life possible" and contradicted the

seniors restricted to wheelchairs

"Jewel of the Sea" spirit of La Jolla.

the ability to see downward. These

The Patrician was in dire need of an

changes strengthened the visual con-

aesthetic update. Before the remodel,

nection between floors and empha-

first impressions left little to the

sized the grandeur of the space.

imagination: The lobby and adjoined

BEFORE

PHOTO (AFTER): DEREK REEVES

To provide a desirable area for

living room space were unused by

gathering and community interac-

residents outside of scheduled activi-

tion, the design team brought a new

ties and actively blocked line-of-sight

and flexible program to the living

into other areas. There was hardly a

room. Once dark and dreary, the

feeling of welcome, as dim lighting

space is now full of daylight and fea-

and a lack of contrast in finishes left

tures a fireplace and piano to engage

residents and staff feeling drained

residents and recall a sense of home.

and detached. The design team

It is differentiated from other interior

BEFORE

pinpointed the lobby and living room rooms such as the library or game
as requiring an elevated experience

room with its small hospitality bar

and atmosphere, necessitating a

and varied seating that is easily rear-

more impactful "sense of arrival"

ranged for activities such as chorus

that provided pertinent directional

practice. The use of interior trim and

cues to the rest of the property. The

millwork helped to tie the asymme-

space needed to appeal to multiple

try of the living room together.

generations while conveying a feeling
of home to the residents.
This single space (encompassing

The owner, general manager, and
staff were all involved from the outset
of design. Input was gathered over

the lobby, adjoined living room, and

time before the team arrived to study

second-floor "look-to-below") had

the community for key needs prior to

two major objectives: first, to create a

design development. Since complet-

grand entry lobby with integrated re-

ing construction residents and guests

ception, sales, and lounge experienc-

now enter the property directly into

es, and second, to provide a desirable

the action with line-of-sight into

area for gathering and community

various areas where lively activity

interaction.

is visible; residents may be playing

To achieve the first goal, a custom
metal art backdrop incorporating the
60

cards at the fireplace or practicing the
piano with family and friends.

Environments for Aging * special supplement

PHOTO (AFTER): DEREK REEVES

Jury comments:
* This is a lovely, sophisticated, but not over-the-top renovation and
reorganization of the main social spaces of a community.
* There is some great out-of-the-box thinking here such as the glass secondfloor railing, making the logo a supergraphic in metal, and relocating the
main reception desk. This design puts residents and visitors first while
making staff service much more pleasant.
* The interior character of the renovation is most compelling. We so often
refer to creating a "sense of arrival," community spaces and a hospitalityfeel. This project achieves those goals successfully! The lobby and
reception are inviting yet grand and contemporary.
Reader comments:
* The gathering spaces are more open and inviting with lighting to enhance
the experience. And the leaf art design creates a great focal point along
with being a significant wayfinding element.
* I would move there in a heartbeat!
* The Patrician is a beautiful mix of tones and materials. Very fresh.

Environments for Aging - Fall 2016

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