Redwood Master
Plan,
Renovation &
Expansion
The Brewster Place Leadership Team recognized the need to revitalize a once-prominent apartment building that had become outdated and disconnected from the independent living campus in the heart of Topeka, Kansas. This building, central to the Brewster community, had remained virtually untouched since its construction in 1968. To restore the building to its former prominence as a premier residential amenity, RDG was selected to lead a comprehensive renovation and repositioning project.
RDG worked closely with engineering consultants and contractors to analyze the existing building systems to ensure functionality and structural integrity. This process was beneficial in developing a long-range capital improvement plan to be executed by the management team. Repositioning scenarios and construction and development cost models were developed to prepare several operational and financial models for board consideration.
The team worked together to develop a financially viable scenario that projected increased revenue to cover the renovation costs of the building and generate a return on the investment. Through the strategic development of a new sixth floor with penthouse apartments, the enhanced entrance fee model will become a catalyst for improving the resident experience. Existing apartments on the first and fifth floors were renovated and “right-sized” to meet current and future market expectations involving amenities, finishes, ensuite bathrooms and open floor plans.
To further enhance social connections in the Redwood Building, the planning and design included a complete renovation of the main kitchen and adjacent dining rooms to elevate the resident experiences. The dining rooms include various seating options to support resident choice and engagement. This area was transformed from an “eat to live” space to a “live to eat” environment, focusing on the culinary quality and experience. This first-floor renovation of the common area amenities also promotes social interaction, life-long learning and skills development in the game room, lounge spaces, and arts and crafts studio. The arts and crafts studio was relocated from a remote and under-utilized location to a more visible and prominent position near the front door of the Redwood Building. This strategic relocation will elevate access to this important, life-enriching activity for residents across the community.