DECEMBER 2013 GRAND RAPIDS, MI

CLARK RETIREMENTCOMMUNITY

Thanks to a generous act of philan-thropy in 1906, Clark Retirement Community was created as a haven for retired Methodist ministers. Perhaps that’s the origin of the discernable Clark spirit - a belief that genuine relationships are forged when people live and work together in an environ-ment of compassion.

Clark is a not-for-profit, continuing care retirement community, offering a full complement of services and residential options from independent living and assisted living to skilled nursing. Clark also offers specialized, personal care for those wishing to remain indepen-dent in their homes.

Most people come to Clark seeking ways to remain active and engaged, wanting to be a vital part of a genuine community. They aren’t disappointed. Opportunities for fun and friendship are outlined in life at Clark, including social activities, fitness and health events, and opportunities to stay mentally active in a network of creative and digital hobbies. Many residents volunteer at Clark as well as in the wider Grand Rapids community.

One of the most active rooms at Clark Retirement’s Franklin Campus is the

Baker-Kendrick Room, where residents and guests gather for regular activities and events. Custer worked with Interactive Studio to renovate the space, making it an open, inviting, and versatile environ-ment for the residents at Clark.

The renovation also includes the beautiful Donna Chase Art Gallery, a walkway bright with light and creative pieces from West Michigan artists and artists from all over the world. The art is selected from the Clark Art Council’s collection to be featured and admired by all.

Clark RetirementCommunity

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Custer Design selected the interior finishes and furniture for the Baker-Kendrick Room, and also provided layouts and specifications while working with Interactive Studio on the overall design.

The space is open and accessible to residents and guests who use wheelchairs and walkers, and can be easily reconfigured for diverse events and applications. Furniture was selected to be movable but sturdy, providing necessary support for users. Neutral colors complement the outdoor access immediate to the room, with natural light providing a bright showcase for the art wall. The kitchen laminate and backsplash are designed to blend seamlessly with the neutral color palette and accessibility of the space.

Custer Technology installed a ceiling-mounted Epson high-definition LCD projector with an electric Da-Lite advantage projector screen. Ceiling speakers provide excellent coverage and include a wireless microphone system for presenters.

On the adjacent wall is a Sharp 60” HDTV capable of displaying various HD sources as well as local floor box inputs for analog and digital presentations.

A Crestron control system allows the user to operate the systems from a wall mounted button panel, or wirelessly using the Crestron iPad application software. This space can be reserved by staff members through their email connection.

In order to keep this space versatile, Source International custom chairs with front casters were used for the main seating to help residents move in and out easily from the tables. The facility also needed the option to store the chairs if necessary, so these chairs are stackable and can easily be pushed in and around the room. Also supplied were six square tables from Turnstone Groupworks and a podium from Coalesse Exponents. The podium can sit at the front of the room by the screen or be moved for smaller group meetings.

For the casual seating area near the patio, a Gunlocke Debonair love seat is used as well as two Steelcase Turnstone Jenny chairs and a Sharp 60” LED TV. Turnstone Groupworks side tables round out the seating area.

DESIGN

FURNISHINGS

TECHNOLOGY

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Custer Team:Furnishings Sales: Beth GodfreyFurnishings Designer: Beth GodfreySales Associate: Lori NederveldTechnology Sales: Patrick SmithDesign Engineer: Kirk GriffesLead Installers: Lukas Schulze & Steve Caz

Products used:Turnstone Groupworks table & side tablesTurnstone Jenny chairsSource International chairsCoalesse Exponents podiumGunlocke Debonair loveseat290 signsEspon high-definition LCD projectorDa-Lite Advantage projector screenSharp LCD display

Partners:Architect: Interactive StudioConstruction: Christman

“Custer has been helpful, supportive and responsive to our needs for design, furniture & technology. Beth Godfrey’s talent, responsiveness and understanding of the Clark Com-munity helps us sustain our success with the wide variety of spaces we renovate.”

- Mike Ignatoski Director of CapitalProjects & Facilities

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