The Virginian

Since opening in Fairfax in 1983, The Virginian has provided a welcoming residence for seniors. The Thompson family built the community for their mother, establishing a legacy of exceptional care. In 2019, new ownership launched building-wide infrastructure improvements while residents continued their daily routines. Precise sequencing enabled construction across 85 percent of the occupied building.

Memory Care Innovation

In the Shenandoah Memory Care Community, research-backed design elements promote cognitive wellness. Lighting that mirrors natural circadian rhythms maintains sleep patterns, while period-specific decor from the 1950s and 1960s connects residents with familiar memories. Staff maintain consistent engagement through a central care station positioned for optimal interaction and discrete monitoring.

Engineering Excellence

Structural challenges emerged throughout renovation. Public spaces demanded substantial reinforcement beyond residential load requirements. Foundation irregularities, discovered mid-construction, led to reconfigured elevator shaft design and equipment. Building code updates required two complete revisions of smoke evacuation systems to integrate life safety measures with the atrium's open design.

Architectural Design

From the central core, residential wings extend in an X pattern that floods interiors with daylight. Assisted living residents on the third floor access replicated amenities without lengthy walks to other levels. Back-of-house operations flow efficiently through a dedicated service elevator, maintaining resident privacy.

Community Spaces

Social connections flourish across 25 distinct gathering areas. Dining options range from fine cuisine at The Stonehouse Dining Room to casual fare at Latitude 77 bistro. The Clubhouse sports bar and Rock Creek Grill add variety, while The Cellar provides an intimate wine-tasting venue. Panoramic views distinguish the fifth-floor restaurant.

Sustainable Design

High-performance glazing works in concert with enhanced insulation and mechanical systems, earning LEED Silver certification. Resource conservation extends from low-flow water fixtures to drought-resistant landscaping, balancing sustainability with resident comfort.

Outdoor Living

Beyond the walls, engagement continues on the third-floor terrace reserved for assisted living residents. Ground-level additions include regulation pickleball courts, bocce areas, and raised planting beds. Memory care residents enjoy a secure therapeutic garden, while a central patio draws the community together around its fire pit.

Interior Elements

Design details pay homage to Washington D.C.'s architectural legacy. Custom-blown glass chandeliers cascade above the main stair, while curated wine displays create visual interest between floors. Water features establish tranquility in the wellness wing near the salon and fitness center. Wood trim and distinctive paint colors guide residents home while preserving residential sophistication.

Operational Excellence

Consolidating assisted living services to one floor has streamlined care delivery. Central administrative offices strengthen connections between staff and residents. Multiple dining venues receive support through the service elevator and upgraded kitchen systems.

Through measured architectural and engineering decisions, The Virginian supports senior independence and builds community across all levels of care. Each design element serves a specific purpose, whether enhancing daily life or enabling exceptional service delivery.