This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Nancy DeSantis, a member of the Resident Design Advisory Committee, helped shape Devonshire's $40 million renovation of community spaces
Devonshire, the Erickson Senior Living community at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., is entering the New Year with a new look!
Upgrades to the main kitchen and lounge kicked off the community's $40 million renovation effort, which started last fall.
This year, additional upgrades to all four restaurants and hallways will be executed in phases, minimizing disruption to community members' busy calendars.
"This is a really exciting time for Devonshire," says Executive Director Brad Andrus. "By partnering with community members during the planning stage of this project, we are elevating the homes they love while also meeting the needs of future residents."
Tasteful additions
The modernization of Devonshire's main kitchen was completed in October. Next, renovations will continue at each of the on-site restaurants, one at a time, to avoid disruption.
First on the list is the addition of a brand-new casual dining venue featuring an open-concept grill. The restaurant will serve lunch and dinner and offer a carryout option.
"The new restaurant is a total renovation of the space," says Andrus. "Designed with a South Florida vibe, it will feature light wood tones, vibrant colored tiles, and updated lighting. It's going to be beautiful."
Once the new restaurant is complete, updates to the existing Windsor, Verandah, and Cavendish restaurants will start. Changes at the Cavendish will include a new outdoor dining area, located right off the main pool courtyard.
"Although the work in the kitchen and the restaurants is substantial, you can't tell that anything is going on when you sit down to dinner," says community member Nancy DeSantis. "The staff has been remarkable, adapting to the needs of the chefs and the residents. It's been seamless, and the end result is going to be spectacular. I'm very excited."
Space to enjoy
Devonshire's popular lounge, home to nightly happy hours and regular entertainment, was recently refreshed as well. Revealing the new space just in time for gatherings around the winter holidays, the lounge now features lighter wood, charming ceiling beams, new tile work behind the bar, and new basket lanterns.
"The renovated lounge, with better acoustics and a refreshed look, is now more conducive to entertaining," says Nancy.
Other renovations include an updated lobby area and administrative offices as well as updates to the popular movie room, including a new sound system, projector, and seating.
Future phases of the project will include modifications to the second floor of the community's clubhouse, which houses the fitness center, multipurpose rooms, and the Stratford Auditorium. All audiovisual systems will be upgraded to include hearing loops and supporting assistive listening devices.
Renovation efforts will also extend to the community's residence buildings, bringing custom carpeting, modern wood door surrounds, vibrant paint colors, new light fixtures, and new decor to all hallways.
Powerful partnership
Throughout the planning process, Devonshire's management worked closely with the Resident Design Advisory Committee to get community members' input.
Nancy, a retired licensed interior designer, is an integral member of the committee.
"Working with Erickson Senior Living and our two award-winning design firms, Merlino Design Partnership and Hord Coplan Macht, has been a wonderful mesh of talent and skill," says Nancy. "We've been working together like hand and glove. And everything we do, we present to the residents [for their feedback]."
"For community members, this is their chosen home. As a result, it is of utmost importance to include them in each aspect of the renovations," says Andrus. "To do that, we work closely with the committee, provide updates in the resident newsletter, and conduct fireside chats and Town Halls. We have received insightful feedback as a result of this open communication."
In addition to aesthetic renovations, Devonshire is investing in routine updates to ensure infrastructure remains strong and modern. HVAC systems and all elevators will be updated in the near future.
Looking ahead
As Devonshire enters this new chapter, Andrus emphasizes the ongoing commitment to evolving with community members' needs in mind.
"Our goal is to continue to foster a community where everyone can make the most of their retirement--now and in the future," he says.
Nancy, looking forward to the future, says, "We are very, very excited. There really is nothing like Devonshire. I've lived here for many years, and nothing compares. It's a premier community in our area, and with these thoughtful new updates, it will continue to be so."
To learn more about independent senior living at Devonshire, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and much more.
By Kelly Shue
