Living history.

In its latest and most extensive transformation since opening in 1894 as Thanksgiving Hospital, the newly renovated Clara Welch Thanksgiving Home reopened in July 2004 to continue its mission in assisted care. With architectural detailing that reflects the rich, historic vernacular of this 19th-century village, the home has 26 private bedroom suites, all unique in floor plan; an abundance of covered porches; and an array of amenities typically found only at larger facilities. Included are spa and wellness space, a beauty salon, a library, a game room, and an art studio.

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"The assignment included removing nonhistoric additions; adding onto, but not competing with, the two older structures; preserving existing trees; and upgrading all mechanical and life-safety systems, while imparting an elegant, homelike atmosphere," says Kurt Ofer, AIA, a partner with Altonview Architects, PC.

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Beginning with a challenging design program, three distinct structures representing more than 100 years of construction, and an overall historic preservation goal, the design team could not have imagined what challenges lay ahead. Not the least of these was a devastating fire in March 2003 that consumed the entire facility as renovations and additions were just two months from completion!

The community of Cooperstown was in shock and anguish over the loss of this historic property but, in the face of adversity, pulled together to rescue the project. As local philanthropists literally rushed to the scene with financial support, the architects were charged with the task of redesigning the facility in just one week so that it could be rebuilt within a year. The design team brought forward plans for an entire replacement facility, which not only addressed newly enacted building codes, but also the use of appropriate massing and materials to visually maintain the original three-building composite structure.

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As the owner and community had vowed, the all-new Clara Welch Thanksgiving Home rose from the ashes to open within a year of the fire. "One saving grace," explains Abby Noyes, interior designer, "was that many of the original light fixtures and furniture items scheduled for reuse were in off-site storage during the construction."

Today, the new structure reflects the original "accumulation of additions," recalling its rich heritage and standing both as a beacon and a tribute to the many community members who supported the project--and to a design team that wouldn't give in to adversity. "Our thanks goes out to so many people," says Administrator Pat Donnelly, "including the historic Otesaga Hotel. After New York State Department of Health approval, the hotel took in our residents free of charge during the renovation and graciously extended our stay after the fire for another year!"

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RELATED ARTICLE: Clara Welch Thanksgiving Home

COOPERSTOWN, NEW YORK 

PROJECT SUMMARY

Type of Facility/Setting: Assisted Living 

Chief Administrator: Patricia C. Donnelly, Administrator

Architecture: Altonview Architects, PC, [phone]

Interior Design: Isabel Noyes Associates, Inc., [phone]

Photography: [c]2004 Richard and Elizabeth Walker 

Capacity: 26 private resident rooms

Total Project Area (sq. ft.): 38,000

Construction Costs: $10,000,000

Cost/Sq. Ft.: $263

BY ROBERT VOLZER, CID, IIDA, VOLZER DESIGN DEVELOPMENT