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The final design met all these demands. After the renovation uncovered hand-glazed but
damaged terra cotta tiles in the entry foyer, a ceramic artist duplicated the tiles in
order to preserve this important first impression of the building. The project adjusted
apartment sizes to the spacing of the steel casement exterior windows, which were
originally based on the original 100 rooms of the hotel. Because of the needs of older
residents, bathrooms are larger and more accessible, as is the
elevator.
Results:
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A cereamic artist duplicates the glazed terra cotta tiles
in the foyer area
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The project helped create other benefits for Uptown Whittier. A small retail
store was created next to the hotel’s main entrance and has been leased
to a neighborhood-serving retailer. The area has enjoyed tens of millions of
dollars of public and private investment over the past decade, and its upgraded
retail shops and professional services include banks, hair salons, apparel shops,
a bakery, medical offices, a movie theater, groceries, restaurants and
churches.
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The restored interior of the Seasons at the Hoover
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The success of Seasons at the Hoover is illustrated by its awards. It was recognized
by the Whittier Historic Preservation Society and by the Building Industry Association,
which selected it as the best seniors housing of 2001. The National Association of Home
Builders awarded the project the Gold Medal Best of Seniors Housing in February, 2002
and also presented it the Jurors’ Award for Innovation.
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