Friendship Village – Independent Living Commons Renovation Bloomington, MN
Friendship Village of Bloomington is a thriving Senior Living Life Care Community. When the new healthcare building was completed in 2022, the existing health center was renovated to complete the connection back to the main campus. This project was the third phase of a multi-year master plan development where an outdated existing space was transformed into a new specialty dining and event space for independent living residents and staff.
The project’s main goals were to bring new life to old bones, expanding dining and relocating administrative spaces into a central location. The original building, built in the 1970s was outdated, but centrally located to the physical campus. While main dining services occur in other venues for both independent living and assisted living, the vision to create something more intimate and unique was planned here. The design reused much of the existing structure, opening the floor area to reveal opportunity for vaulted ceilings and provide increased natural light. Two existing wings were removed that allowed additional glazing exposure to add clerestory windows on an expanded outdoor space adjacent to the dining room. Finishes were founded on “Garden Comfort” to bring an inherent sensitivity to the nearby gardens and bring the outdoors in. Light fixtures would add an element of greenery to aid in activity and a sense of light and airy decor. Wood accents were provided in wall paneling of the dining room and existing columns to complement modern and sleek details at the bar. This sensitivity to both bold trim finishes and warmth allows the space to be lively during the day and more intimate with dinner or evening activities.
A particularly interesting innovation within the dining space is the use of an existing tree for a large family style table within the dining room. It was built with wood harvested from an existing oak tree that had to be removed under the new development. A company called, “Wood From the Hood” takes existing trees and creates custom furniture from the material. This fallen oak tree now rests back on campus and has been given new life. A touching detail in things being renewed and part of the inspiration in naming the new dining venue, ‘Oak Terrace’.
The design team held several meetings with the client and prepared materials for town halls where ideas were shared and a vision was prepared from community input. Just outside the dining area is an enlarged courtyard and garden area that is run by a resident committee. The gardens share an outdoor patio adjacent to the dining room. The campus has already enjoyed an awards event where the space was active and able to take advantage of both the indoor and outdoor patio spaces. The campus plans to continue to use the space as a specialty dinner venue and enjoy the comfort of varied spaces, from a quiet conversation in the lounge, to a more celebratory party in the dining room or a cocktail at the bar.