October 27, 2023
Kendal on Hudson Begins Transformative Renovation
Since 2005, Kendal on Hudson’s stunning 25-acre campus located near the banks of the Hudson River has been highly attractive to many prospective and current residents, offering opportunities to take in amazing river views from beautiful apartments and common spaces while also being a quick train ride away from all that New York City has to offer.
To keep its distinctive advantage in the Hudson Valley area, Kendal on Hudson has begun an exciting renovation and reconstruction project. Led by recently appointed CEO (formerly CFO) Jean Eccleston, the community refinanced its existing debt in 2022 to create the debt capacity necessary to invest in the recently announced Commons Refresh Project, which will renovate and expand the common areas, including dining, pool and fitness areas and the terrace that overlooks the Hudson River. The reconstructions have been designed by Amenta Emma Architects, an architecture and interior design firm headquartered in Connecticut.
Transformative New Look
Frank Mandy, Vice President of Development & Planning for KCorp, shares some background on the transformation process, which he has been a partner with the Kendal on Hudson team, “The original layout of the dining venue at Kendal on Hudson considered the view of the Hudson River, but the new area is going to allow for even better views of the water. The renovated building will improve access to the terrace level and include creating a new community space on the terrace that can be used all year long.” The renovations will entice prospective residents and enhance the experience for current residents, allowing them to enjoy a more modern and up-to-date experience.
An additional enhancement to the community will occur in the area currently inhabited by the indoor swimming pool. The pool has an extremely high ceiling facing the river, and the space above the pool has ample opportunities for additional purposes. These additions will include a new community room facing the river, which residents can use for meetings and community events. Residents have advocated for additional shared spaces; this new, sizeable addition will meet that need.
Team Effort
Frank Mandy and Ben Butler, Kendal Corp’s Vice President of Development and Special Projects, have assisted the Kendal on Hudson senior staff as it interviewed firms that make up the development team, including the construction manager and the owner’s representative. Using a Request for Proposal process, the development team has added firms particularly strong in working on projects at operating life plan communities.
“This development has been influenced heavily by Kendal on Hudson’s residents, who are an extremely engaged group. In fact, many current residents bring career experience that has enhanced this endeavor,” shared Frank. “Residents have been involved in meetings since the very beginning, and leadership at The Kendal Corporation and Kendal on Hudson have worked closely to make sure this updated community meets their current needs and needs of the future.”
The Commons Refresh Project is modernizing Kendal on Hudson in an exciting way by renovating and expanding the common areas so residents can further enjoy comfort, community, and views of the beautiful Hudson River. The reconstruction and renovation processes are expected to be completed in 2026.
