Project Highlight: Westminster of Austin
Pi has submitted Westminster in Austin, TX, for a 2024 Senior Housing News Architecture and Design Award. “This community stands as a testament to innovative senior living,” said Greg Hunteman, AIA, Pi president. He added, “Westminster was a trailblazer, being the first in Texas to combine the privacy of apartment homes with the services of a 24/7 on-site health center, and to offer the Life Care option, ensuring a predictable way to receive and pay for care services.” Over the decades, Westminster has undergone multiple expansions and reinvestments, reinforcing its status as Austin’s premier Life Plan community.
The most recent expansion and renovation project was a collaborative endeavor led by LCS Development. Pi Architects masterfully executed the architectural design and partnered with Studio Six5 for interior design. The general contractor, White Construction perfectly realized the design details.
“The latest project at Westminster embodies a timeless ‘Austin’ aesthetic, seamlessly blending with the city’s dynamic spirit. The architecture features clean lines and a modern rhythm of repeating forms, creating a striking yet harmonious appearance,” said Hunteman. This modern design extends into the interior spaces, offering a remarkable sense of openness. Simultaneously, the layout incorporates private and smaller-scale areas, achieving a balance between community engagement and personal tranquility.
This thoughtful integration of design elements has resulted in a space that meets the current demands of retirement living and is adaptable to future needs. The harmonious blend of functionality, community, and nature ensures that residents enjoy a sophisticated and graceful living environment.
The Westminster campus now boasts three main buildings: The Preston, The Windsor, and the newly introduced Carlisle. As part of the master planning process, an opportunity was identified to expand the Windsor with an infill building and to connect the Preston and Windsor buildings. Renovations within the Windsor building focused on enhancing wellness and convenience. Upgrades included new wellness rooms, PT/OT space, a salon, clinic space, café, main lobby, and locker rooms. The architectural and design teams prioritized a seamless transition between the Carlisle and Windsor buildings, using similar materials and maintaining a harmonious connection with the natural surroundings.
The recent Westminster expansion and renovation enhance the physical space and residents' lives. The design fosters community while providing private, serene areas for reflection and relaxation, creating a supportive and dynamic living environment. For dining, The Bistro, a healthy options destination, was designed as an extension of the Wellness Suite. It includes botanical motifs, branded moss signage, and open decorative screens that allow views of the courtyard and emphasize the connection to nature.
“The collaborative efforts of Pi Architects, Studio Six5, White Construction, and LCS Development have culminated in a project that stands as a beacon of modern retirement living,” said Hunteman, adding, “The Westminster community is now better equipped to serve its residents with an environment that is as beautiful as it is functional, meeting the demands of today and anticipating the needs of tomorrow.”
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