Wesley Palms, a Front Porch full-service retirement community at 2404 Loring St. in Pacific Beach, recently announced a redevelopment plan comprising a revitalization of the iconic midcentury main building apartments and amenities and the unveiling of 29 new patio homes in place of existing cottages in the first two phases. The phased revitalization commenced in April with the intent to preserve the midcentury modern aesthetic of the original construction, which opened in 1962. The revitalization will improve the 35-acre parkland and retain Wesley Palms’ character, serving as an ode to an iconic era in California architecture and a complement to the style of the adjacent neighborhood.
The patio homes in phases one and two will be completed within the first 14 months and are slated to open for residents in the summer of 2016. The retirement community will continue its current operations throughout the phased revitalization. Summer House at Wesley Palms memory care neighborhood and Courtyard catered living cottages will continue to accept new residents as openings become available.
Details of the first phases include a transformation of 26 cottages into 29 patio homes, improvements of amenities within and around the main building and enhancements of the landscape. Upgrades to the main building include:
• Interiors will be converted to enhance connectedness among residents, with added amenities such as a café, remodeled library and reading patio, business center, fitness/well-being center, chapel and the addition of a heated therapy pool.
• The structural integrity and iconic façade of the main building, with its signature chevron porte cochere and classic midcentury architecture, will be retained, given the midcentury southern California appeal of the original 1962 design.
• Main building residences will be remodeled and refreshed with new windows, plumbing, electrical and HVAC.
The revitalization will introduce new single-story patio homes with the sleek style and function of midcentury modern design. Built with the temperate San Diego weather in mind, the 29 patio homes in phases one and two will celebrate nature and open-plan living, highlighting:
• an indoor-outdoor lifestyle with airy, barrier-free designs to take advantage of parkland or ocean views;
• generous windows and high ceilings to welcome natural light and beauty of the natural landscape;
• sleek touches like mosaic glass backsplashes, cathedral ceilings, clerestory windows, designer kitchens and baths and large patios for soaking up the California sunshine; and
• walking paths connecting to outdoor courtyards, fostering a sense of community and encouraging neighborly gatherings.
“The new patio homes and added amenities are just a couple of reasons why we’re so excited about what the revitalization brings to Wesley Palms residents and the greater community,” said Wesley Palms executive director Ben Geske. “We have an extraordinary location, a unique history and a strong sense of community that we will celebrate and honor with this revitalization plan.”
The community’s revitalization will be the latest endeavor in Front Porch’s mission to create thoughtful and unique places that are respectful of the environment, celebrate the individual and attend to the natural aesthetic of form and function. Attention to sustainability and reverence for the environment are key features of the new Wesley Palms community. The revitalization will retain and enhance the indigenous and mature landscape, reuse of foundational building materials, energy efficiency and low water usage and selection of green building materials.
The revitalization effort is called “360-degree living.” Overlooking downtown San Diego, Mission Bay and the Pacific Ocean, the community offers the benefits of San Diego living, including beaches, world-famous attractions, and the art and culture of La Jolla. Wesley Palms welcomes new and returning residents to reserve their new home. Current residents will be given first priority, and interested individuals are invited to join the ‘interest list’ for current and future phases.
In 2012, the community was awarded the National Association of Home Builders Gold Award for its innovative interior design in its remodeled lobby and common spaces. In 2014, the community received the National Association of Home Builders Silver Award for its design and development of Summer House memory care neighborhood at Wesley Palms. For more information, visit wesleypalms.org.