Woodcrest Villa by Tandem Living

Project Overview

Woodcrest Villa, a senior living community by Tandem Living, partnered with Heck Construction to reimagine and modernize existing apartment layouts by converting smaller, less marketable units into larger, more desirable residences.

As part of a strategic campus improvement effort, the project transformed two adjacent apartments into a single expanded suite, better aligned with today’s resident expectations for space, comfort, and functionality. The existing units were roughly 728 and 652 square feet. 

Each renovated unit now features two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and a dedicated laundry area—creating a more spacious and livable environment while maximizing the use of the existing building footprint.

This type of senior living renovation allows communities to increase unit desirability without the cost and disruption of full building expansion.

The Challenge

Senior living communities must continuously balance modernization with operational continuity. At Woodcrest Villa, the challenge was to improve unit marketability and livability within the constraints of an existing, occupied facility.

The existing smaller apartments were increasingly difficult to lease compared to larger, more contemporary floorplans. However, any renovation work needed to be completed with careful coordination to avoid disrupting residents, staff operations, and daily community life.

Additionally, the structural nature of the work—modifying load-bearing demising walls—required precise planning, engineering coordination, and permitting oversight.

The Solution

Heck Construction provided a design-build approach to streamline planning, approvals, and construction execution.

Our team began with an initial site evaluation and survey of existing conditions. From there, we developed revised layouts that combined two smaller units into a single, more functional floor plan optimized for senior living.

We also managed the permitting process and coordinated all structural modifications required to safely connect the units, including openings in load-bearing walls.

Throughout construction, our team worked closely with Woodcrest Villa leadership to ensure work was scheduled and executed in a way that supported daily facility operations and minimized disruption to residents and staff.

Working in an Occupied Senior Living Environment

Renovating within an active senior living community requires more than technical construction expertise—it demands communication, planning, and respect for the people who live and work there.

Heck Construction has extensive experience working in occupied senior living and healthcare environments. At Woodcrest Villa, our team carefully coordinated construction activities to maintain safe, clean, and controlled work areas while ensuring residents and staff could continue their daily routines with minimal interruption.

Just as important was project timing. As units became available for renovation, the work was completed efficiently to ensure renovated apartments could return to service promptly. This helped Woodcrest Villa maintain operational flow while offering updated, move-in-ready residences for incoming residents.

The Results

The completed renovations successfully transformed outdated, smaller units into spacious, modern apartment homes that better reflect current expectations for senior living communities.

Key outcomes included:

• Increased unit desirability and marketability
• Improved layout efficiency and livability
• Enhanced resident customization through finish selections
• Maximized use of existing building footprint
• Modernized interiors aligned with long-term facility goals

By strategically combining units rather than expanding the building envelope, Woodcrest Villa improved housing options while preserving capital investment and minimizing disruption.

HCCI Expertise in Senior Living Renovation 

Projects like the Woodcrest Villa renovations reflect Heck Construction’s core strength: delivering thoughtful, well-coordinated renovations within occupied senior living environments.

Our team understands the operational sensitivity of these facilities and brings a disciplined approach to scheduling, communication, safety, and sequencing. Whether modernizing individual residences or executing larger campus improvements, we help senior living providers enhance their facilities while maintaining continuity of care and daily operations.