Since reopening in mid-April after being out of commission and under construction for nearly three years, Atria on the Hudson in Ossining has already generated more than 31,000 kilowatts of power by way of eco-conscious construction.
The approximately $25 million project is, according to Executive Director Scott Thibault, “the first, full redeveloped buildings that Atria has done in over 14 years.”
It”™s also one of the first green senior living communities in Westchester County.
“It”™s something that”™s on the minds of many people and we know for a fact that our Westchester families are very interested in sustainable living environments,” said Thibault, a member of the Westchester Green Business Council.
Originally built in 1967 as the Sheraton Eagle Bay Inn and Conference Center, the building had been converted into an assisted living facility in 1997, which Atria Senior Living began managing in 2005.
The redeveloped 137,000-square-foot, 124-unit site now features full-service amenities including: wellness center, spa, salon, fitness center, movie theater, activities space, three dining rooms, outdoor courtyards and a refurbished indoor pool.
Atria”™s green efforts reach far beyond the non-volatile organic compound (VOC) paints, stains, adhesives and sealants used in the carpeting and wood.
For maximum sun exposure, about 264 solar voltaic panels were installed directly above the indoor swimming pool by Port Chester-based Mercury Solar Systems.
More than 75 percent of material from existing walls and the roof were reused in the new construction. The parking lots and all of the sidewalks were resurfaced using recycled materials, Thibault said.
“All of the sinks, faucets, toilets and showers in the building were done with low-flow water devices, which will save about 40 percent of water usage in the building,” Thibault said. “That, in addition to having every single light bulb be some sort of compact fluorescent, has really helped the bottom line in addition to going green.”
Atria on the Hudson”™s executive chef and kitchen staff rolled out a recycling program to reduce overall waste and residents can participate in growing small, organic gardens on-property that will make their way into menu items.
There are now 65 residents living at Atria on the Hudson and 75 staff members have been hired since it reopened.
Part of the redevelopment included the introduction of a Life Guidance Neighborhood for residents with Alzheimer”™s disease and dementia.
Atria Senior Living operates three other Westchester County assisted living centers, including: Atria Briarcliff Manor, Atria Rye Brook and Atria Woodlands in Ardsley.
There are 122 Atrias nationwide.
