Parkshore upgrading for generations to come

Parkshore has had picturesque views of Lake Washington and Mt. Rainier for the past 55 years. But the senior living market has changed a lot since then, so now Transforming Age is executing a modern vision for the Madison Park community.

“It’s a pretty unique opportunity here,” said Paul Aigner, vice president of development at Transforming Age, Parkshore’s not-for-profit owner and operator.

A group of residents, board members, directors, architects and engineers came together in 2015 to analyze market demographics and senior housing trends, drafting a Parkshore master plan, Aigner said.

Transforming Age began its $30 million renovation of Parkshore in February 2017, and expects to have interior work completed later this summer and Phase 2 work finished in early 2019.

The renovation includes adding amenities in historically underutilized parts of the senior living tower, expanding residential units, a new saltwater swimming pool, raising the parking lot and modernizing Parkshore’s west facade.

All residential corridors have been renovated, and many Parkshore units are being expanded to meet consumer demand for more space as they become available, Aigner said. That includes adding a full kitchen and private washers and dryers.

Parkshore currently has 103 independent living units, 28 skilled nursing units and 28 assisted living units at 1630 43rd Ave. E. One of the two floors for assisted living is being converted to provide memory care units. Part of that involves increasing safety features.

The library was refreshed, and a new bistro space for more grab-and-go meals will soon be constructed using space in the main dining room.

An interior grand staircase was added to connect the main floor to the Shore and Lakeview levels below.

The Exchange, a store run by residents that sells clothing, furniture and other items, was relocated into a renovated space on the Lakeview level, while the old Exchange spot was converted into a movie theater.

An enhanced fitness area and spa was added at the Shore level, as well as a salon and massage parlor.

One new amenity residents are excited about is the 360 Grille on the 15th floor, said Parkshore marketing director Janis Smith, which took advantage of unused space and views from Mount Baker to Mount Rainier.

Across the hall on 15th is The Rafters, a new community space that can be used for breakfasts and meetings.

Constructed in 1963, Parkshore also required a seismic upgrade, and was reinforced for lateral loads as part of the renovation work, Aigner said.

“The building’s been here for 60 years,” he said. “We want it to make sure it’s here for another 60 years.”

Concrete block on the west facade is being removed currently, to allow for a new modern glass curtain.

The porte-cochere will be removed, that space becoming a new reception area for Parkshore that will include a coffee shop and reading room, Aigner said.

Parkshore was at 80 percent capacity when the master planning started in 2015, Aigner said, and now has 320 people on its waitlist.

Parkshore has also purchased five condo units across the street due to having limited room to expand in the tower, and plans to purchase more as they become available.

The renovation is being performed with bond financing as part of an obligated group that includes Fred Lind Manor and Skyline on First Hill, two other Seattle senior living communities operated by Transforming Age, Aigner said, and with no increased cost for current or future residents.

“We are aware of the construction noise,” Aigner said. “It’s part of any renovation project.”

Noisier parts of the project, such as tasks that require jackhammering, are paused noon to 2 p.m. each day. No work occurs during the weekend or before 8 a.m., Smith said. Residents are taken on field trips on days when noise will be particularly loud, added Kristen Crawford, Transforming Age marketing director.

When interior work is completed later this summer, a community luncheon will be held to thank Madison Park residents for their patience and understanding during construction.