Upon discovering a weakened foundation in the Landing Building in 2010, Williamsburg Landing seized the opportunity to renovate the entire building in addition to fixing its structural issues.
Williamsburg Landing is a nonprofit continuing care facility located at 5700 Williamsburg Landing Drive in James City County. Open since 1985, Williamsburg Landing staff knew inspections were required in 2010, but were not expecting anything to turn up, said Kathy Kammer, Williamsburg Landing’s senior director of community relations.
With plans already in the pipeline for renovations, Kammer said the structural issues provided the opportunity to move into completing both.
Construction began in 2011 on the $24 million renovation project and was completed this year. A rededication ceremony took place Oct. 17.
The three-story Landing Building houses 38 residents in Landing Building apartments; the building has a total of 71 apartments. Additionally, there are casual and fine dining areas, conference rooms, an auditorium that seats 250 people, a medical clinic, bank and beauty shop.
The concrete was reinforced with composite material, rather than traditional rebar, to extend the building life by at least 30 years.
The first renovation project was creating the new Cove Café as an informal dining location. It has a hearth pizza oven, cappuccino station and bar.
The renovated apartments now include hardwood floors, new appliances, open kitchens and walk-through closets.
“We turned this into a great opportunity, and our residents, we just can’t underscore that enough, how supportive … they’ve been through this entire process,” Kammer said.
Renovations also took place in a formal dining room, library, auditorium, guest suites, bank, offices and boutique.
As the building was updated, systems and infrastructure were upgraded to increase energy efficiency, comfort and Wi-Fi access.
“In addition to making the necessary structural repairs, we used the opportunity to make significant improvements to the hallmark of our community. The new Landing Building shows our continued commitment to providing high quality services to the residents who call Williamsburg Landing home,” says Stephen Montgomery, president and CEO of Williamsburg Landing, in a news release. “Our residents not only have been supportive and understanding throughout the process, but are also excited with the outcome.”
During the construction project, 97 percent of the costs was spent locally and 17 percent was spent with minority- or women-owned businesses. Guernsey-Tingle Architects and THW Design designed the architecture, The Structures Group completed the structural design, Henderson Inc. was the general contractor, Hill International was a construction manager and Towne Bank, Chesapeake Bank and M&T Bank assisted with financing the project.
