Plymouth Place

CHALLENGE:
Recognizing the rising competition, aging infrastructure, and shifting desires of prospective residents, Plymouth Place needed a phased master plan to revitalize the existing campus, enhance the dining program, introduce modern wellness amenities, and offer new consumer-driven housing options.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Community leadership was committed to future-focused collaborative planning. The process included a market study and strategic planning initiative, engaging a planning/development consultant, and conducting in-depth focus groups and a charrette to guide the master plan.
• Engagement with a resident task force, local village stakeholders, board members and focus groups (including families of existing residents, operational department leaders, and future residents) during the preliminary design phase identified what was needed to enhance the campus
• Numerous design principles the master plan.
  • Effectively integrate the campus into the surrounding community.
  • Create a pedestrian-friendly experience.
  • Establish a distinct connection to the existing Georgian-style architecture.
  • Activate the public way with a series of uniquely designed villas.
  • Reflect Chicago’s signature brownstone/row house residential typology.
  • Thoughtfully address the scale of new residential components. Provide the necessary density while differentiating them from the former cottages and existing towers.
  • Leverage indoor/outdoor activities and enhance the spaces between the buildings as much as the destinations within.
  • Provide a new commons experience centered around resident choice.
  • Evoke a club atmosphere.
• Based on the extensive master planning process, the project encompassed the renovation and remodeling of existing spaces, including a gift shop, multi-use area, dining room, exercise areas and art studios. The new construction of a wellness-focused commons, the Center for Healthy Living (CHL), and a new Independent Living offering rounded out the program.
• The landscape design team identified significant existing trees to influence the master planning decisions and building arrangement.
• The phased approach to implementing the master plan began with renovations to engage existing residents and garner excitement for the campus changes. The process gained momentum with the introduction of the wellness-focused commons and new independent living. This sequencing allowed the team to continuously evaluate success and provided the data and feedback necessary to influence decision-making moving forward.
• Engagement was maintained throughout design decision-making and phased construction, including invitations to Village representatives to view preliminary designs, resident Fireside Chats, Town Hall meetings, a 24/7 construction camera, a special website to announce process milestones and a multi-episode marketing podcast. The engagement resulted in increased local interest and support and significant contributions to several special project enhancements.
• Explore Plymouth Place.
• Learn more about this Master Planning Success Story.
• Enjoy a video tour.