The Square at St. James Place

The Square is the original main entrance and common amenities area of St. James Place, a large senior living facility constructed in 1983. It is a centralized location on campus, separating the older, south campus from and the newer north campus. The purpose of the renovation was to revitalize the space as the main entrance and central hub of activity, making it more appealing for residents and prospective residents.

The space was completely gutted and renovated to update its original 40-year-old tired and outdated design. The exterior project work involved new windows, whitewashing the brick walls to give an updated appearance, new gutters and downspouts, lighting and landscaping. The interior scope of work included all new floor and wall finishes, and reconfiguration of the spaces within. Ceilings were raised and doorways enlarged with taller 8’ doors. New lighting and millwork were installed, and glass partitioning and glass doors were used to provide light and openness throughout.

Now

Image of the exterior at the Square after the renovation by Cockfield Jackson Architects.

Image of the foyer at the Square after the renovation by Cockfield Jackson Architects.

Image of the bistro at the Square after the renovation by Cockfield Jackson Architects.

Image of the club room at the Square after the renovation by Cockfield Jackson Architects.

Image of the sales office at the Square after the renovation by Cockfield Jackson Architects.

Image of the chapel at the Square after the renovation by Cockfield Jackson Architects.

Image of the art room at the Square after the renovation by Cockfield Jackson Architects.

Image of the hallway at the Square after the renovation by Cockfield Jackson Architects.

Image of the dining at the Square after the renovation by Cockfield Jackson Architects.

Image of the theater at the Square after the renovation by Cockfield Jackson Architects.

Image of the dining courtyard at the Square after the renovation by Cockfield Jackson Architects.

The Lobby ceiling was raised, utilizing a stepped ceiling design with light coves that follows the slope of the roof structure above. As a visitor arrives and enters the space, their view is terminated with a beautiful, backlit marble slab, with an impressive chandelier at the high point of the ceiling. A custom wood concierge desk is located just inside the new, enlarged brass automatic sliding doors, and a sparkly terrazzo floor finishes off the dramatic look of the new entrance lobby.

The main hub and social area of The Square renovation is the Bistro Bar. It is accessed from the main Lobby and serves as a gathering spot for coffee, lunch and happy hour. Decorative brass screens allow a small “sneak peek” view from the Lobby. A high wood ceiling over the bar area, and dramatic pendant mounted light fixtures offer an upscale experience. A Market is attached to the Bistro, offering a variety of food, housekeeping and personal items for the convenience of residents to purchase onsite.

The Club Room had small windows opening to the front porch, with low ceilings and solid walls enclosing the space. The windows were enlarged, ceilings raised with dramatic coffering, and full wood and glass walls constructed to enclose the space. These new walls provide a sense of openness and transparency. The new millwork and fireplace wall creates a dramatic view as you enter.

The existing Sales Office area was relocated from another location on campus to be a visible and accessible space within The Square for potential new resident sales.

The Convocation Room was originally designed with low ceilings and a structural column in the center of the room. The column was removed, higher coffered ceilings built, and new perimeter lighting installed for displaying resident art shows. The stage area was re-imagined with large doors that open to display custom church furnishings and to serve as the altar for worship services, including a concealed, hidden door leading into the Sacristy with residents' art work. When the altar doors are open, the space serves as a sacred worship space. When the doors are closed, the room functions as a large multi-purpose space for a variety of meetings, gatherings and activities.

The new Art & Crafts Room utilized a stepped ceiling design similar to the Lobby. Windows were added to the space, giving the room bright, natural light. New millwork and cubbies were provided for residents to store their art supplies and in-progress artwork, and shallow ledge shelving was installed for paintings for display and drying.

The Lifestyle Wall was designed to have a prominent location to display photos of active residents involved in campus activities. This wall is located in a high traffic area within The Square to provide maximum exposure to residents, as well as for prospects and guests to see the lifestyle opportunities that the campus offers.

A Multi-Purpose Room was created for a variety of uses, such as resident committee meetings, staff meetings, continuing education presentations, social gatherings, and even use by outside entities in the community. Doors were added to allow access from this area directly onto the Pool Patio.

The Theater Room was brought to life with new finishes, additional windows, vivid colors, theater style side wall panels and sconces, and large, functional theater style chairs that can be utilized for multi-purpose activities. A door to the Pool Patio also provides access from this area directly to the exterior, thereby allowing the Theater Room, Multi-Purpose Room, Pool Patio and Indoor Pool all to be used at the same time for different events.

The existing Dining Room was expanded into an adjacent, unused storage space, while ceilings were raised with large coffers and dramatic drum light fixtures. The serving line was expanded and updated, along with the addition of an extensive salad and dessert bar. Window openings were added to the interior corridor wall, with a large, arched window and copper canopy added looking into a new landscaped courtyard and sugar kettle fountain. Dramatic landscape lighting enhances the courtyard at night. This area was formerly a service area with a dumpster, and now has new glass entry doors that serve as a convenient, secondary entrance to the rear of the building for access to the Dining Room, which is adjacent to the courtyard, resulting in a much improved, back of house entry sequence.

Then

Original image of the front exterior of the Square before the renovation by Cockfield Jackson Architects.

Original image of the art room at the Square before the renovation by Cockfield Jackson Architects.

Original image of the club room at the Square before the renovation by Cockfield Jackson Architects.

Original image of the convocation space at the Square before the renovation by Cockfield Jackson Architects.

Original image of the dining room at the Square before the renovation by Cockfield Jackson Architects.

Original image of the dining courtyard at the Square before the renovation by Cockfield Jackson Architects.

Original image of the lifestyle space at the Square before the renovation by Cockfield Jackson Architects.

Original image of the lobby at the Square before the renovation by Cockfield Jackson Architects.

Original image of the sales office at the Square before the renovation by Cockfield Jackson Architects.

Original image of the theater at the Square before the renovation by Cockfield Jackson Architects.

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The Square at St. James Place

Now

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Cockfield Jackson Architects