Canvas Valley Forge – Seniors Community Helps Homeowners Transition to Renting

Multifamily Executive

September 19, 2018

2018 MFE Awards, Senior-Market Rate, Grand: Canvas

Courtesy The Bozzuto Group

For its Canvas seniors housing project, developer–builder Bozzuto looked to single-family home trends for inspiration for the empty nester– and retiree-friendly units’ design.

The large apartments in the 231-unit building are equipped with plenty of entertaining space, chef’s-style kitchens, large soaking tubs and showers, full-size laundry rooms, and private balconies and terraces. The units also focus on organization by including ample storage in custom closets and pantries.

The apartments range from 743 square feet to 1,540 square feet, with rents beginning at $2,112. Both one- and two-bedroom floor plans are available, some with den options.

When residents move in, they’re provided with a 60-day guarantee, the Canvas Commitment, in which they can opt out of their lease penalty free if their experience at the community isn’t up to par. A “home hold” option is also available that allows potential residents to reserve an apartment for 90 days without losing the hold fee. This gives prospects who currently own homes some flexibility if they’re still contemplating transitioning to renting.

The community offers an on-site resident coordinator who’s responsible for planning on- and off-site events. White-glove moving, valet dry cleaning, grocery delivery, pet concierge services, continental breakfasts, Sunday brunches, happy hours, and tasting events are also included in the property’s life-simplification service offerings.

Other amenities include a conference room, library, media lounge, fitness center, and heated pool. More unusual offerings feature a genius bar, a communal chef’s kitchen for cooking demonstrations, a private dining room to host family dinners, a woodworking studio, a community garden, and a landscaped outdoor space with a fire pit.

At this, the first 55-plus community in King of Prussia, Pa., the team worked with Upper Merion Township on planning, and it continues the relationship with the township’s senior services center and parks and recreation department. Other local partners include the adjacent King of Prussia Town Center, the Valley Forge Casino, a Wegmans grocery, and other local restaurants and businesses.

Although Canvas lacks green-building certifications, architect KTGY Group did incorporate a variety of sustainable features. The high-performance building envelope, efficient HVAC systems, and energy-efficient windows, appliances, and lighting all help reduce the building’s energy consumption. Water-efficient appliances and fixtures as well as water-conserving irrigation systems limit the amount of water used.

Completed in December 2017, the building had leased 57 of its units as of press time. In order to fill the remainder, the community has joined with a local real estate brokerage firm, to assist potential residents with the sale of their homes, and with moving managers to offer a full range of moving services.

PROJECT DETAILS