Fresh, Modern Updates Coming to Village Square Clubhouse

Exciting updates are coming to the Village Square Clubhouse at Riderwood, an Erickson Senior Living community in Silver Spring, Md., this year!

First, renovations will begin in the Fireside Restaurant, with service maintained throughout the process. An expansion of the medical center and a mail room refresh will follow. Final phases of the project will include a new outdoor patio and renovations to the creative arts studio and library.

Village Square is the fourth and final clubhouse at Riderwood to undergo renovation.

"With a focus on wellness, dining, outdoor living, and social connection, the project reflects our commitment to providing the vibrant lifestyle that makes Riderwood such a special place to call home," says Sales Director Josh Runkles.

And all of the improvements were planned with valuable resident input in mind.

Powerful partnership

The Design Input Group, comprising 16 residents and staff members, worked closely to shape the project's plans.

"The renovation has created many opportunities, not only for a refresh, but to rethink how the clubhouse and outdoor space can better meet residents' needs," says resident Suzan Wynne, who serves as secretary of the Design Input Group. "The design phase of the renovation involved brainstorming sessions and targeted input from residents."

Through a series of Town Halls, surveys, and open forums, residents took advantage of the opportunity to share their ideas and see their feedback come to life.

That input has been crucial to the success of the effort. "It is our goal to continue to meet and exceed the needs of current and future residents, and the updates at Village Square--Riderwood's first clubhouse--help us do that," says Runkles.

Modernizing wellness

Perhaps the most impactful renovation of Village Square will be the expansion of the on-site medical center.

The new medical center will feature additional exam rooms, an improved layout, and a comfortable waiting area. Specialists who were previously located in the Park View residence building will now be located under the same roof, ensuring seamless access to care.

"It's a really exciting addition," says Runkles. "The medical center will be a central focus of Village Square, offering modernized spaces and easier access to physicians and specialists."

For residents, these enhancements represent peace of mind, knowing world-class care will be even more convenient.

"The larger exam rooms, more logical layout, and clustering of specialists across the hall will be a great improvement," notes resident Winne Coggins.

Tasteful additions

Restaurants inside the clubhouse will also receive a refresh. The fast-casual Potomac Cafe will feature additional seating and an improved layout, while the Fireside Restaurant will be modernized.

Thanks to resident feedback, dining at Village Square will evolve into a more intimate experience. The addition of a new bar inside the Fireside Restaurant means residents can enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail and catch up with neighbors.

"It is our goal to make each Riderwood restaurant beautiful, distinctive, and inviting," explains Runkles.

Village Square will also add a brand-new coffee bar, adjacent to the CVS Pharmacy® and entrance into the clubroom and outdoor patio. This bright, inviting addition will create the perfect spot for a morning cappuccino, afternoon pick-me-up, and meeting with friends.

Gathering spaces

Another facet of the Village Square redesign is the creation of a new outdoor gathering space. The space, which previously housed the community pool before it was relocated to the Wellness Center in 2020, will be transformed to include seating areas for social gatherings and games.

At the heart of the design will be a dual-sided fireplace, connecting the outdoor patio to the indoor clubroom and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere all year round.

"We're being very intentional about making this space a destination for residents," Runkles notes. "It's about bringing people together."

The renovations at Village Square will also include updates to the popular library. The space, with modern new shelving and fixtures, will continue to serve as the hub of Riderwood's library network.

'Good decisions'

Most importantly, "We want to keep daily life at Riderwood running smoothly while delivering positive, long-lasting improvements," says Runkles. "Residents can maintain their social, active calendars while these changes are implemented."

"Repositioning will greatly benefit current and future residents," adds Winnie. "I feel Erickson and Riderwood management are making good decisions for the continued success of Riderwood."

To learn more about senior living at this vibrant community, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.

By Kelly Shue