Classic Residence by Hyatt, Palo Alto

The $180-million new senior living community is carefully integrated into the Stanford University campus, between Stanford Medical Center and Stanford Shopping Center. This synergy with the university's campus provides residents with multi-generational cultural, educational, medical and social opportunities that further enhance the quality of life at this continuing care retirement facility.

The project provides a continuum of care from independent to skilled nursing including two memory-impaired clusters, maintaining a strong sense of community through careful incorporation of amenities and services. The broad spectrum of spaces supports a variety of activities, preferences and needs. The location of common areas on the ground floor combined with the extensive use of glass integrates indoor areas with the outdoors.

The loggia leads from the living room to a covered seating area by the creek. All along the loggia, various activities spill out of the buildings. The experience is of walking down a vital streetscape.

A series of courtyards provide a variety of outdoor environments ranging from a cottage garden to an urban streetscape. The variety of experiences from private to passive social or active interaction is designed to stimulate interest and involvement in the community. This series of open to more protected courtyards provide appropriate levels of security and privacy based on the frailty or acuity of the residents.

The wide range of unit types, sizes and configurations is unique and facilitates a diverse population, culminating in a vibrant and interesting community. There are a total of 388 units built around a series of courtyards. A 60,000-sq.-ft. common facility incorporates dining, business center, library, multipurpose space, and administrative. A three-story health center with 38 assisted living units and a 44-bed skilled nursing facility provide aging in place options.

Architectural details and exterior treatments complement the nearby academic campus and regional shopping center.

Owner's Comment:

"The aesthetic grace and beauty of the property is evident from the moment your eyes fall upon it. A resident commented, 'Heaven might not be an improvement.'"-Barry Johnson, Classic Residence by Hyatt

Project Team:

Owner: Classic Residence by Hyatt
Architect: Steinberg Architects
General contractor: Devcon Construction Inc.
Engineering team:
KPFF Consulting Engineers (structural)
Belden Consulting Engineers (MEP)
Brian Kangas Foulk (civil)
Key subcontractors:
SWA Group (landscape)
Salter Associates (acoustics)

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