Harbor's Edge

Project Details

Project Description

Recently, Rocky Berg, principal and director of senior living business development at three: living architecture, spoke at The Greystone Event about upcoming trends taking place within the senior living industry. He focused on how he bridges the gap between generations in a master-planned mixed-use development, makes design decisions that architecturally blend an expansion with an existing property and uses the local flavor and natural environment in the design. At the event, Berg discussed another highly anticipated project in the works -- the phase two addition at Harbor’s Edge, a successful high-end retirement community in Norfolk, Virginia. This project is an example of a major trend in the industry. Many established communities are embarking on large-scale expansion projects to address the growing need for senior living options. With Harbor’s Edge, three designed an addition that would blend the more traditional style of the original community with the sleek sophisticated style that today’s seniors desire. The 27-story high-rise building expansion features an all-glass exterior that will give it a streamlined look and offer 360-degree views of the Elizabeth River and Fort Norfolk. It is notable that the Merrimac and the Monitor did battle just offshore 150 years ago during the Civil War.

“With this project we knew we couldn’t just focus on the expansion,” said Carl Ede, project design principal at three: living architecture. “The client also has to look at renovating existing common areas in the original phase-one building to continue to attract future residents as the new building comes on line. A plan is in place to upgrade the ground level phase one wellness pool, spa and arts studio, and the resident apartments are being improved as well, raising the bar for the entire community. We want to ensure that seniors in the original building are not isolated. We also designed new third-floor common areas which connect the two structures with multi-purpose space, a theatre and dining and bar venues. In the end, it’s all about bringing together both phases to form a brand-new community.”