January 1, 2002 |

Martha Child Interiors, Inc., Design Division, Sunrise of Claremont

Sunrise of Claremont – Claremont, California
Martha Child Interiors, Inc., Design Division
of Sunrise Assisted Living, Inc. – Sterling, Virginia

Type of Facility/Setting: Assisted Living addition to historical home

Facility Contact: Jill Anderson, Executive Director

Firm: Martha Child Interiors, Inc., Design Division of Sunrise Assisted Living, Inc., (703) 708-7250

Design Team: Elizabeth Masar-Woolhouse, Interior Design Project Manager; Alison Murphy, Interior Design Associate

Photography: Jerry Staley Photography

Resident Capacity: 67

Space/Resident (sq. ft.): 500

Total Area (sq. ft.): 64,400

Total Cost (excluding land): $9.3 million

Cost/Sq. Ft.: $149.03

Completion: December 2001

Renovating this early 1900s cottage with stone elephantine columns-one of the 200 homes listed in this community on the historical registry-in combination with a newly constructed, 82-unit assisted living home presented an exciting and challenging task. Reflecting the same architectural characteristics of the historical home in the new home, both outside and inside, was a challenge. Stone and cedar-shake siding were used to continue the original building plan. A glass-walled walkway connects the original structure with the new home.

Remodeling the entrance foyer and indoor enclosed courtyard with protected 100-year-old wisteria, and converting the garage of the original home into an open-air covered shelter for social gatherings of both assisted and cognitively impaired residents was an exciting achievement. Within the courtyard exist oaks that are more than 75 years of age. These trees provide shade from the West Coast sun for outdoor activities, which include residents, staff and family members. The configuring of this courtyard is one of the most innovative ideas that we have ever designed.

This historical home also provides a main entrance for the new assisted living home, as well as offices for home staff and regional staff.

The addition contains a warm, welcoming foyer and large dining room with rich trim wood reflecting the original structure. The warm and inviting Bistro and Living Room create intimate spaces for the social gatherings of residents and staff. Warm colors are reflected in both wallpapers and carpets, to serve as a backdrop for furniture, art and accessories without adding confusing patterns. Arts and Crafts furniture reflects the style of the original cottage home, rich woven jacquards and chenille fabrics give both beautiful and comfortable furniture to relax on, and all lighting is shaded with linens to reduce glare throughout the home.

The entire assisted living home reflects the small and intimate feeling of the original home. Long, covered walkways and overhangs provide ample space for residents to enjoy the outdoors protected.

The most outstanding features of this home remain the rich furnishings, wonderful accessories used as orientation guides, beautiful artwork and spaces that create a large home with a feeling of intimate spaces. Each of the corridors leading to the resident rooms is designed with “Old Hollywood” themes. Not only are movie posters of the 1950s displayed, but also vintage clothing representative of that era. These make it easy for a resident to recognize his corridor.

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