When Sequoia Living (San Francisco) started planning Viamonte at Walnut Creek, a nearly 200-unit continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in Contra Costa County, Calif., one of the many considerations gleaned from interviewing potential residents was the importance of the inclusion of public art, leading to the $1.5 million curated art collection on display throughout the community.
The 297,000-square-foot community includes a range of units include one-bed/one-bath or two-bed/two-bath options with adjacent dens for independent living residents, as well as memory care and assisted living. Along with the art, the community includes both fine dining and casual dining, wine bar, bocce ball, outdoor fireplace, spa, salon, and heated indoor pool with a retracting nano wall providing views of the more than 100-year-old heritage oak tree and Mt. Diablo. The community was completed in the fall of 2020 and first residents moved in in December of that year.
Harold Hoeg of Horizon Art (Scottsdale, Ariz.) was brought in to collaborate with interior design firm StudioSIX5 (Austin, Texas) and architect HKIT (Oakland, Calif.) to ensure that the artistic aesthetic was in sync with the overall design of this contemporary community.
Working with the light and views surrounding the property, there is an emphasis on natural resources evident in both the artwork and overall design. Broader themes of local art highlighting bold contemporary and abstract pieces heighten the experience.
Interior corridors provide moments of brightness and engagement to residents. For example, many of the pieces selected showcase interesting objects with dimension and texture that allow residents to stop and enjoy the journey down the long corridor. The art has become such a popular lifestyle element for the residents that the collection has morphed into an organized art walk for the community, providing the opportunity to enjoy the color and space while learning more about the artists themselves. Artists are also frequently on hand to talk about specific pieces located at the community as well as inspiration for their work.
Other amenities include gourmet dining through two on-site restaurants, a wine bar, outdoor fireplaces and sitting areas, bocce court, and a heated swimming pool with doors leading to a sundeck. Residents also have access to a private gym, salon, art, and workshop.
Project details:
Facility name: Viamonte at Walnut Creek by Sequoia Living
Location: Walnut Creek, Calif.
Completion date: December 2020
Owner: Sequoia Living
Total building area: 297,000 sq. ft.
Total construction cost: $224 million
Cost/sq. ft.: $441/sq. ft.
Architecture: HKIT
Interior design: StudioSIX5
General contractor: Cahill Construction
Engineer: DK Engineering
Builder: Sequoia Living
