Coterie, a luxe senior living property with exceptional design details, opens in the heart of the city.
Coterie’s room designs feature plenty of light, beauty and function.
It’s a refrain heard repeatedly among San Franciscans of a certain age: They love the town and its cultural and entertainment riches, but want a home that caters to their changing lifestyle. Which is why Bill Witte, CEO and chairman of Related California, is excited about the opening of Coterie in the Cathedral Hill neighborhood.
“We’re catering to an underserved community of sophisticated urbanites who want to continue their lifestyle in the city they love with all of the anticipatory care they need,” says Witte, who notes Related teamed up with Atria Senior Living on the project. “San Francisco is experiencing long wait lists for high-end senior living, and we’re providing a product that not only fills this gap but also offers an experience unlike any other with a full spectrum of amenities and services.” The property features a doorman, valet, complimentary chauffeured car service, 24/7 lobby concierge and security and personal assistance services—from wake-up calls to package delivery and housekeeping. Residents will enjoy an 11th-floor wellness space with doors opening to an outdoor pool, as well as a 15th-floor rooftop lounge, complete with bocce court and dog run.
Coterie residents also can expect multiple dining venues, from a casual bistro and an espresso bar to a full-service cocktail and piano lounge. The culinary standout is The Monarch Room, which showcases classic techniques and innovative menus paired with a wine list curated by master sommelier Emmanuel Kemiji.
Coterie offers countless opportunities for social and arts interaction, including taking in a movie at its plush cinema.
Appropriately enough, tech also plays an important role in the building, which was designed by Handel Architects. “Every unit includes a smart home system—from the entertainment system to smart lighting to automated shades,” says Phoebe Yee, senior vice president of design at Related Companies California. “Residents also receive the latest in smart wearable technology upon move-in, providing two-way communication with staff and real-time location tracking. Circadian lighting throughout the dedicated memory-care floor simulates sunlight patterns that help to regulate natural rhythm, energy levels, productivity and sleep quality. Incorporating intelligent technology was a must, as it’s crucial to our residents for keeping them engaged and connected to the world.”
Top-tier health and wellness care is part of the property’s DNA. “Onsite medical concierge services will be available 24/7, in addition to an urgent care facility to provide rapid medical attention to every resident,” says Michael Pounsberry, Coterie Cathedral Hill’s general manager. “The state-of-the-art fitness center features equipment selected by Mayo Clinic, and all Coterie staff have been trained by Mayo Clinic Healthy Living experts in physical activity, nutrition, resiliency and wellness coaching.”
A sophisticated yet casual dining space
From a design standpoint, March and White Design (mawd.co), with offices in Los Angeles, New York and London, created an aesthetic that is at once sophisticated and casual. With high-end finishes throughout, the design team incorporated a color palette of light, neutral and earthy tones to complement the city’s backdrop.
“We took the time to research and truly understand our residents—who they are and what they’re passionate about, like rich cultural experiences, lifelong learning and engaging social activities,” says Elliot March, co-founder of March and White Design. “Within the private residences, which include 208 units ranging from studios to two-bedroom residences and friendship suites, the layouts are extremely welcoming and homelike, as well as functional.”
Coterie’s lobby lounge
Design elements include herringbone hardwood floors with custom inset carpets, 9-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, antique brass entry portals with ribbed over panels and antique brass-framed doors with ribbed glass insets.
“Our team also created custom furniture pieces used throughout the public and residential spaces that not only meet the luxury design aesthetic but also are tailored to the specific needs of our older adult residents,” says March. “Seat heights and depths and arm heights are incredibly important features and often overlooked, so we made sure the furniture was suited to the residents’ needs and abilities. Although some of these details may seem minor, they and other features help us achieve our main goal—enhancing the resident’s lifestyle through exceptional and meaningful design.”
Photography by: PHOTOS COURTESY OF RELATED COMPANIES CALIFORNIA
