Serving Seniors

The Renovation of Westminster Manor Earns the National Spotlight

The newly renovated Westminster Manor.

The newly renovated Westminster Manor.

Every industry has its own version of the “Oscars” and the apartment and condo marketplace is no different. Each year, leaders in that industry (known as “multifamily” development) gather at the International Builders Show to showcase best practices and high achievers.

This past week in Orlando, our Westminster Manor tower for low income seniors was cast into the spotlight as a finalist for Best Acquisition/Rehabilitation of an Affordable Apartment Community.

The National Association of Home Builders annual Multifamily Pillars of the Industry Awards must have seen what we believe to be true: the renovation of Westminster Manor could be a model for similar projects.

The dining room at Westminster Manor overlooking the San Diego skyline.

The dining room at Westminster Manor overlooking the San Diego skyline.

What was our challenge? How do you renovate a “tired” building that is currently occupied with long-term tenants who must be temporarily relocated for several months? Many of the folks living at 1730 Third Avenue had occupied that 16-story building for decades;  Safe to say, most of them were pretty anxious about moving out and being relocated for up to six months.

We were lucky enough to work with Joe Gavin - Senior Care Navigator at Serving Seniors - who moved his office to Westminster Manor months in advance of the move. Joe is affable and professional, and he quickly became immersed in the lives and needs of our residents. We can’t thank Joe – and Serving Seniors – enough for successfully assisting in the relocation and return of our residents. 

For more on the Westminster Manor story, click here.

Congratulations to Tim Baker and his colleagues here at Chelsea … and a huge shout out to the management team at ConAm Management Corp. as well as to Joe Gavin, Paul Downey and the incredible team from Serving Seniors who helped our seniors navigate the challenges of a major move.

We promise you, the residents are loving the results of the renovation! 

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT- Serving Seniors and Westminster Manor

A view of the San Diego Bay from one of the Westminster Manor rooms.

A view of the San Diego Bay from one of the Westminster Manor rooms.

Last year, we temporarily displaced nearly 150 seniors while we renovated and modernized their 1970’s-era apartments at Westminster Manor in downtown San Diego. (We purchased the building with Westminster Manor of San Diego, Inc., and between the two of us launched a $12.5 million facelift.)

The newly renovated building is home to 150 seniors in San Diego.

The newly renovated building is home to 150 seniors in San Diego.

Many of the folks living at 1730 Third Avenue had occupied that 16-story building for decades; some of them are in their 80s and 90s. Safe to say, most of them were pretty anxious about moving out and being relocated for up to six months.

To assist us in this complex process, we partnered with Serving Seniors, whom we consider the Gold Standard in health and wellness services for seniors 60+ in San Diego. 

We were lucky enough to work with Joe Gavin - Senior Care Navigator at Serving Seniors - who moved his office to Westminster Manor months in advance of the move. Joe is affable and professional, and he quickly became immersed in the lives and needs of our residents. We can’t thank Joe – and Serving Seniors – enough for successfully assisting in the relocation and return of our residents. 

A business center and library is just one of the new additions in the many common areas at Westminster Manor.

A business center and library is just one of the new additions in the many common areas at Westminster Manor.

We’re happy to say that everyone is back – houseplants, pets and all – and enjoying their newly renovated units including kitchens and bathrooms, energy-efficient appliances, new flooring and windows, paint and window coverings, plus expanded and improved common areas. 

A bright and comfortable entry lounge provides residents and their guests with a place to relax when coming or going. 

A bright and comfortable entry lounge provides residents and their guests with a place to relax when coming or going. 

Our collaboration with Serving Seniors continues at Westminster Manor, where 152 “new and improved” apartments welcome low-income San Diegans 62+.  Social workers from Serving Seniors are providing ongoing support services for issues involving social security, transportation, medical and health, legal and finance. Serving Seniors provides a collection of resources for individuals whose circumstances require an expanded safety net.

Involvement with Serving Seniors doesn’t stop at the building’s front door. Many of our residents make the short, two-block trip to Serving Seniors’ Gary & Mary West Senior Wellness Center on Fourth Avenue, where free services are available in an open and cheerful environment. It’s almost hard to believe that so much is accessible to anyone in need, including breakfast and lunch, classes and games, a meditation room, physical and mental health care, and soon, a 4-chair dental clinic.

The relationship between Chelsea and Serving Seniors began 13 years ago when we developed their first affordable housing complex, Market Square Manor in San Diego’s East Village (since renamed the Potiker Family Senior Residence). In 2007, we collaborated again to develop City Heights Square in City Heights (later renamed Potiker City Heights Residence). Both buildings are located only walking distance to public transportation, pharmacies, churches, supermarkets, shopping centers and restaurants. These two projects were a rewarding collaboration for our company and we look forward to developing more affordable housing with Serving Seniors.

To get involved with Serving Seniors – or for a tour of the Gary and Mary West Senior Wellness Center in downtown San Diego  -- please contact Michelle Matter at 619-487-0701 or by email at michelle.matter@servingseniors.org.

ABOUT SERVING SENIORS

Serving Seniors is a nonprofit agency dedicated to helping seniors in poverty live healthy and fulfilling lives. Founded more than 45 years ago, the organization meets its mission by offering a coordinated wellness model that addresses many senior issues under one roof. This safety net of services encourages seniors to live healthier lives by addressing successful aging. As a result, it keeps seniors out of emergency rooms, reduces hospital stays and delays and/or eliminates the need for long-term care.

In addition to this wonderful partnership, Westminster Manor is just one of the properties by Chelsea Investment Corp which offers a range of resident services