HONORABLE MENTION – 2022 EFA Design Showcase
Sagewood, a resort-style continuing care retirement community (CCRC) within the Sonoran Desert in Phoenix has completed its Phase 2 renovation and expansion, marking the largest construction project since Sagewood opened in 2010.
Phase 1 was completed in 2018 and included Desert Willow, a two-story, assisted living addition to the existing skilled nursing building, as well as a new fitness center, chapel, activity room, dining room, courtyard, salon, and two separate living rooms for residents. It also included The Oasis, a newly constructed 20,700-square-foot event space featuring a lobby space that acts as a pre-function area before events, as well as a lecture hall. Sagewood was 97 percent occupied in Phase 1, leaving room for additional growth and the desire for more hospitality-like venues.
Phase 2 includes a four-story, 276,454-square-foot independent living community with an underground parking garage. The community features one- and two-bedroom units with den layouts and scenic patio views. As well as expanding the living options, Phase 2 includes new amenity spaces for all Sagewood residents, including activity and game rooms, an art studio, putting green, café, formal dining, and an indoor-outdoor tapas bar and lounge.
The design for the community’s three new restaurants was inspired by Sagewood’s surrounding landscape, which helped weave together the unique dining destinations. Part of the existing Palo Verde dining room and adjacent administrative area became The Sonoran, offering fine dining. The Canyon Café’s renovation allowed for a full kitchen to be added, allowing the café to be open all day by transitioning from morning coffee to evening nightcaps. The Owl’s Nest is a tapas bar that perches on the fourth floor overlooking the McDowell Mountains.
Project category: New construction and remodel/renovation
Chief administrator: Stewart Ingram
Firm: Spellman Brady & Company, spellmanbrady.com
Design team: Spellman Brady & Company (interior design); Todd & Associates (architect); Life Care Services (owner); LCS Development (developer); The Weitz Company (general contractor and builder); Caruso Turley Scott (structural engineer); MSA Engineering (mechanical/electrical engineer)
Total building area (sq. ft.): 365,700 (new); 5,000 (renovation)
Construction cost/sq. ft.: $224 (new); $402 (renovation) – Phase 2
Total construction cost (excluding land): $62.2 million (new); $2 million (renovation) – Phase 2
Completed: January 2021
