The Westchester ARC requested a comprehensive renovation of it’s existing facility, The Ann Manzi Center, to better serve a growing and increasingly aging population for the day services provided onsite. The Client’s core needs were to create accessible paths and uses for 5 acres of underutilized exterior grounds and create a multi-functional interior space that could accommodate varying levels of physical ability across age groups and encourage intergenerational mixing. The center needed to remain active throughout the renovation.
A new entry vestibule, covered drop-off, and expanded parking lot completely rejuvenated what were a series of challenging existing conditions. Direct access to the grounds was achieved through a new operable facade and a terraced patio. One mile of accessible paths were created. The design reorganized the interior program to support flexible, multi-generational use, introducing spatial configurations that could transition between structured programming and informal gathering. Material and finish selections required high durability, low maintenance, and accessibility compliance.
