Customer Profile

Client: Wesley Woods' Asbury Harris Epworth Towers (AHET)

Residents: Seniors ages 62+ who receive HUD-subsidized financial assistance

Project: Renovations and upgrades to 152 units completed in three major phases

Budget: $1 million

Special Requirements: Renovation work happened while residents occupied the units to minimize displacement and disruption

Timeline: January 2017 through January 2018 (six test units completed in November 2016)

Results: HD Supply created a workable pricing structure with product selections and discounts to get the project completed on time, within budget, and in a professional manner

From Outdated To Upgraded

Wesley Woods Senior Living owns and manages 10 retirement communities in North Georgia. Under the threat of significant HUD funding cuts, Wesley Woods needed a cost-efficient renovation program and affordable room improvements for its Asbury Harris Epworth Towers (AHET) in Atlanta. This residential rental community for adults 62 years and older was built in 1971.

Plans Are Made

Wesley Woods wanted to update and upgrade 152 of the 160 units at its AHET property. The capital fundraising campaign reached its goal of $1 million in 2012, but Wesley Woods still needed one important thing to move forward.

It's Go Time

The Wesley Woods management team reached out to their group purchasing organization, Value First/Leading Age, for renovation and supplier recommendations. HD Supply was awarded the contract, and our Property Improvement Solutions team was ready for the challenge.

"Leading Age Georgia members are very familiar and very satisfied with HD Supply. That relationship was important to me."

—Vanessa Caesar, Marketing and Customer Relations Representative, Value First/Leading Age

Three Phases. One Efficient Renovation.

The $1 million renovation project lasted just over a year and was executed in three phases, based on the size of the apartments. Six test units were completed in November 2016 and phased renovations on the AHET property began in January 2017. Upgrades included new kitchens (appliances, granite, backsplash, cabinets, countertops, and sinks), bathrooms (vanities, sinks, and shower fixtures), light fixtures, flooring, and more.

A Team Effort

Wesley Woods also brought in Alisa Beckner of ADB Consulting Services as a third-party design consultant. Due to the project's scheduling and budget constraints, the HD Supply Property Improvement team worked closely with Wesley Woods leadership and ADB Consulting Services to make product recommendations that were easier to source.

"The contractor that HD Supply partnered with did a fantastic job. In addition, HD Supply scheduled material deliveries well in order to keep the project on track."

—Alisa Beckner, Owner, ADB Consulting Services

Inventory And Delivery

All product, including all cabinetry and special-order items, was delivered on site to the Wesley Woods property in storage containers at least one week before it was needed. These containers kept items organized and protected without taking up a lot of storage space.

Work Done By Day So Residents Could Return Home At Night

Moving seniors out of their apartments during the renovation period would have been challenging, disruptive, and costly. The HD Supply contractor had to minimize dust and leave the unit in a habitable condition at the end of each workday so residents could return home in the evening.

"Our local distribution center grouped all orders together by product type, which made moving and staging items much more efficient for our contractor."

—Ike Gilbert, HD Supply Facilities Maintenance, Installation Field Project Manager

Communicate, Communicate, Communicate

Throughout the project, HD Supply representatives conducted weekly site visits, sent project updates, and held regular meetings with the Wesley Woods decision-makers. This allowed the team to quickly address and resolve any issues.

152 Renovated Units. Hundreds of Happy Residents.

The HD Supply Property Improvement Solutions team was able to deliver on schedule and within budget. After unit renovations were completed, residents were tremendously satisfied with the end result. Debi McNeil, Wesley Woods' Vice President of Operations, says it best:

"These renovations have made a huge difference in the livability of the apartments and have given our seniors a sense of pride in where they live."

—Debi McNeil, Wesley Woods' Asbury Harris Epworth Towers, Vice President of Operations