Change for the better
“Both the residents and staff have been abuzz about the renovations,” says Stephen Adams, project manager for Oak Crest’s General Services department. “We solicited feedback from Oak Crest residents and considered all of the comments and suggestions we received when we were developing these plans for renovation. Most of the changes to our ‘main street’ area in the clubhouse are directly related to comments from the survey. Additionally, these renovations incorporate Erickson’s quality and standards, which allow us to compete with and surpass other retirement communities in the area.”
Hope Contox moved to Oak Crest ten years ago from Baltimore City and has been using the fitness center for nine of those ten years. “I’m very excited about the renovations and the fact that the swimming pool and the fitness center will now be near one another,” says Contox, who does three hour-long workouts a week in the fitness center. “I never went to the gym before I
moved to Oak Crest. I’m doing much better health-wise because of it, and it’s kept me moving more. I don’t know what I would have done without it.”
Charm and convenience
Charlestown, Oak Crest’s sister community in Catonsville, has jumped on the bandwagon as well, modernizing its apartment homes to fit the needs of its diverse clientele.
“One of the appealing things about Charlestown is its rich history,” says Don Grove, director of marketing. “The homes in our Historic District feature distinctive architecture you won’t find anywhere else. That being said, people still want modern-day conveniences, so we’re adding updates like washers and dryers, self-cleaning ovens, built-in overhead microwaves, dishwashers, upgraded kitchen and bathroom cabinets, and six-panel doors.”
Grove adds, “In a nutshell, we’re working to replicate all of the amenities you already enjoy in your home. So you’ll have everything you’re already accustomed to, in addition to the tremendous level of health care and the hundreds of services and amenities we offer.”
Demands met In response to the demand for larger two bedroom homes, Charlestown is also combining some one bedroom and studio apartments to create completely renovated, much larger apartment homes.
“Everything about these homes will be brand-new— from the appliances to the amenities to the custom finishes and more,” says Retirement Counselor Steffany Byers. “Simply put, these new apartments are the closest you’ll find to newly constructed homes here at Charlestown. Many include benefits like extra walk-in closets, second full baths, and expanded living rooms—and that’s on top of the other great features that have put our traditional two bedroom homes in such high demand.”
Charlestown is showcasing many of the features and amenities now being offered in its homes in a new professionally decorated model apartment. To tour the model or to find out more about the renovations taking place at either of these communities, contact the Sales and Information Offices at the numbers below.
Charlestown: 1-800-222-9651.
Oak Crest: 1-800-333-5693.