The scaffolding has been dismantled at Phoenix Commons, and its magnificent presence greets all travelers over the Park Street Bridge (Pic. 1). The dramatic cathedral ceilings highlight the waterfront facade (Pic. 2). The tranquil waters of the estuary provide an intriguing contrast to the bustling urban life all around (Pic. 3).
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As the scaffolding is gradually peeled away, the simple elegance of the building’s contemporary design really shines through (Pic. 1). Solar panels on the roof capture the sun’s clean, renewable energy to heat the community’s water (Pic. 2). With its distinctive style, Phoenix Commons will provide a safe and beautiful environment for its residents to live to the fullest in this next stage of their lives (Pic. 3).
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The south-facing exterior of Phoenix Commons is virtually finished! There are just a few balcony railings still needing to be installed (Pic. 1). The shiny black coating on the main podium level will provide waterproofing for those wet (we hope!) winter months (Pic. 2). Meanwhile, work is progressing on the interior of all the condo homes, and new elements are constantly appearing such as this contemporary ceiling fan and light (Pic. 3).
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What does it mean to live in community? What would that feel like in this next phase of your life? Curious about what kind of people are attracted to senior cohousing? If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, come meet the members of Phoenix Commons at our weekly informational sessions on Thursdays from 4-5 pm or on Fridays from 10-11 am.
Phoenix Commons members are a diverse group of vibrant, dynamic, and friendly people over the age of 55. But don’t take our word for it – come have coffee or tea with them in a relaxed, casual setting and see for yourself why Phoenix Commons is the trendsetter in Bay Area retirement living!
For more information, or to RSVP for one of the info sessions, please contact us at [email protected] or (510) 217-8527.
With the scaffolding starting to come down at the Phoenix Commons construction site, more of the exterior finish is now visible (Pic. 1). Shared patios at the end of each floor provide breathtaking views of the Oakland hills (Pic. 2). Pedestrians (and vehicles!) crossing the Park Street Bridge into Oakland will be greeted by the building’s impressive profile (Pic. 3).
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The clouds are no longer a threat, now that the roof is completely finished (Pic. 1). The inner courtyard radiates good vibes in the warm afternoon sunlight (Pic. 2). Our focus is on cabinetry, now that the sheetrock process is mostly completed (Pic. 3).
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People often ask us why we can’t take them inside Phoenix Commons to see the inside of the building and condo units. We try to explain that the construction site is hazardous, and here are some photos to prove it! First, one must avoid the jumbo forklift constantly making rounds along the perimeter of the property (Pic. 1). Inside the complex, the walkways are still covered with scaffolding and littered with scrap material (Pic. 2). Yet even in this unfinished state, the building looks majestic when basking in the afternoon sun reflected off the peaceful waters of the estuary (Pic. 3).
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Members of the Phoenix Commons senior cohousing community reached another milestone last week: Entry! Members were able to go onto the construction site and view their future home from the inside! The excitement was palpable as future neighbors got to inspect the building up close and imagine all the good times they will share together. Led by the project’s lead architect, Jeff Zimmerman (www.zmanarch.com), community members had a chance to see the common areas as well as the private condominium homes they have reserved.
If you would like more information on how to become a member of Phoenix Commons, the Bay Area’s first senior cohousing community, call our office today at (510) 217-8527 or email us at [email protected]
Despite the black veil covering the facade (Pic. 1), it’s no secret that we’re making great progress in the construction of Phoenix Commons! With so many of the structural aspects completed, progress is now better measured by the kaleidoscope of colors and textures that are added each day (Pic. 2). Even from inside the courtyard, large windows at the end of the complex make the verdant Oakland hills visible to all (Pic. 3).
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This holiday weekend, Americans all over the world will be celebrating Independence Day. Amidst all the barbecues and fireworks, many older Americans will be pondering their own personal independence. With 75% of older Americans living in unwalkable suburbs and extended families mostly spread out all over the country, social isolation is a quiet plague afflicting too many of our senior citizens.
That’s why in the cohousing movement, we like to talk about independence through interdependence. By living in a neighborhood with a culture of mutual caring, support, and sharing, cohousers are able to truly age in place with peers and retain greater control over their lives. Phoenix Commons is exactly such a neighborhood, specially designed to help active individuals aged 55+ to remain as independent – and interdependent – for as long as possible.
On behalf of the entire Phoenix Commons community, we wish you a wonderful 4th of July weekend!