White Sands is in the midst of a $16 million restoration expected to update the high-profile luxury retirement community moving forward by the end of the year.
The institution quite literally is on the beach in La Jolla, one of the few retirement communities anywhere in the state that can make that claim.
Located at 7450 Olivetas Ave., White Sand’s residential units, a choice from ocean-front apartments to studios, includes assisted or independent living, a memory unit and skilled nursing.
Construction on White Sands’ South Wing Project began in March 2016. This portion of the project includes the renovation of its main lobby and chapel, the addition of a new elevator, bistro and bar; plus the newly reimagined library.
“We expect this project to be completed in December 2017,” said Gary Boreiro, White Sands executive director.
There is another project underway on White Sands Middle Wing, which just began in late June 2017. The Middle Wing redo includes a complete remodel of the corridors and new furniture and art.
“We expect this project to also be completed in December 2017,” Boreiro said, estimating the cost of all ongoing renovation projects on White Sands campus at approximately $16 million.
Boreiro noted some construction hiccups have caused the work to be delayed in some instances, but added the West Campus should be finished by year’s end.
Noting the facility typically undergoes more minor remodels every seven to 10 years, Boreiro talked about the purpose of this all-encompassing re-imagining of the retirement community complex.
“This is a remodernization of our campus,” Boreiro said. “We’ve added new amenities like a new bistro bar and an elevator.”
“It’s all coastal elegance,” said Boreiro of White Sands’ architectural style.
White Sands remodel creates a “second dining option” for residents. There is also a new ocean bar being added with an indoor-outdoor look and feel.
“It’s a fairly large project, and one we’re very excited about and very proud of,” said Lorraine Duran, White Sands spokeswoman. “The biggest piece of it is improving the (existing) amenities.
Amenities at White Sands include:
• Transportation service;
• Meeting rooms;
• Community Center;
• Outdoor swimming pool;
• Meal programs;
• Clubs;
• Planned social events;
• Twenty-four-hour emergency monitoring;
• Card games and/or bridge.