What’s Been Happening Since Last We Heard: September 5, 2024

 In recent months, the Commons Refresh project moved from the initial Design Development phase to a parallel extended Design Development and Construction Document phase. So, what does that mean?

First off, starting in October 2023, a Project Planning team was put together which will be in place throughout the duration of the Commons Refresh project, made up of:

•           Jean Eccelston

•           Hildegarde Gray

•           Hank Schacht

•           Uriel Schlair

•           Ellen Ottstadt

•           Bob Michael

•           Fred Coppola

They have been meeting multiple times a week while this most recent phase has been ongoing. Additional people are added to the team as needed for specialty areas (i.e. technology). 

During the extended Design Development phase, in consultation with the architect, Amenta Emma, they focused on the development of design ideas and details, concentrating on the “feel” of the project, i.e., its use, look, and ambience. Their goal was to shape the look and feel of the renovation, with an eye towards a residential/home-like atmosphere coupled with updating and improving Kendal’s public spaces to meet the needs of the entire community.

Having representation by independent-living residents was critical. Integral to the process, they have made numerous suggestions that have had a major impact on the design development process.  

On September 27, the Amenta Emma team will join us in a Zoom meeting to show diagrams of the structural spaces we’ve seen outlined before, but this time with pictures of what the spaces could look like. Please note: could look like. Why “could” and not “will”? That’s because the interior design element will take place in the next step.  

In a few weeks, the Structural Project team will turn its focus to the interior design of the space. Joining the team, at this time, will be Marilyn Bottjer, Jane Hart, and Mary Lou Alpert. At that point, they will start to consider the specifics of materials, color, art, and furniture. 

The parallel Construction Document stage phase began in early May. This phase includes:

•           Specifications are put in writing

•           Drawings are made for the builder

•           Application for permits takes place

•           Competitive trade bids are awarded

Once these two phases are complete, the actual Construction phase can begin. The present goal for that is the beginning of 2025.

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COMMONS REFRESH UPDATE: JULY 5, 2024

On April 11, 2024, the Design Development phase of the Commons Refresh project was approved by the Kendal on Hudson Board of Directors. One of the next steps is to achieve approval by the Sleepy Hollow Planning Board in order to apply for building permits.  

The Planning Board’s interest in the site plan is to review any changes to the facility’s footprint or external additions to the current buildings. They want to make sure the plan protects the environment, doesn’t cause undue traffic woes, doesn’t create bright lights that could disturb neighboring communities, and the like. Along those lines, the main changes to our footprint are the KoH Board-approved terrace room and the community room above that.   

On June 20, our architects (Amenta Emma) went before the Sleepy Hollow Planning Board for approval of the changes approved by the KoH Board of Directors. In their presentation, they briefly described and explained the reason for the project and noted the internal changes, followed by the plans for the terrace room and the community room above it. They showed drawings of the horticulture side of the outdoor terrace as well as the lounging and activity space on the other side. Those drawing were intended to show possibilities or potential uses of these spaces by residents.  

In instances in which there are changes to existing or planned structures that could have an impact on the town or neighborhoods, the Board can call for a public hearing or waive the need for a public hearing. They waived the need for a public hearing for the Commons Refresh project and promised to have tier response to this proposal at their July meeting.

Below is the presentation made to the Sleepy Hollow Planning Board. Note that approval was requested for the basic design of the new additions — the community room and the terrace room —rather than for specific details such as the chairs, rectangle of play surface, or plantings.

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POSTPONED UNTIL SEPTEMBER May 20, 2024: 2:00 - 4 pm: Amenta Emma presentation of the design to the community. (By Zoom)

May 3, 2024, 10 am - noon: Annual Budget Discussion includes discussion of the financing for Project Refresh. (By Zoom)