Woodside Atrium Apartments at Sunnyside Community

• NEGOTIATED

• Renovation / New Addition

• 11,249 Sq/ ft

What was once known as Village Court Apartments has been extensively redeveloped into the Woodside Atrium Apartments at Sunnyside Retirement Community — a project marked by both structural ingenuity and resident-centered planning. Sunnyside engaged Harman Construction to lead the complex renovation of the original two-story, 12-unit structure, which surrounded an open-air courtyard on three sides.

The construction scope included the addition of four new one-bedroom-plus-den units and the full enclosure of the existing courtyard. One of the project's key logistical challenges was maintaining occupancy throughout construction. Phased work sequencing, careful site management, and coordination with residents ensured uninterrupted living during the build.

To accommodate the sloped site, Harman Construction integrated a new elevator system, providing accessible vertical circulation between both building levels each of which maintains ground-level entry thanks to the site's natural grade. The new apartment units were constructed with enhanced daylighting strategies, including roof-mounted sun tubes to maximize interior light without compromising energy efficiency.

The most significant structural change was the conversion of the courtyard into a 3,000-square-foot enclosed atrium. This involved complex framing work to support exposed heavy timber trusses, along with the installation of a tongue-and-groove wood ceiling system. Clerestory windows and overhead skylights were added to preserve the space's natural openness while transitioning it into a fully conditioned indoor environment.

Interior biophilic landscaping was incorporated via three built-in planters, and a café was added to expand communal amenities. Mechanical and electrical upgrades included the installation of a backup generator to provide continuous power in case of outages-an important reliability enhancement for a retirement facility.