Before photo of assisted living dining room in Manassas, VA with dated décor and furnishings, prior to renovation.

BEFORE

Nine Phases, One Vision

The Challenge

Caton Merchant felt dated and disconnected from its historically rich setting behind Annaburg Mansion in Manassas, VA. The operator needed to reposition the property to meet today’s senior living market, including converting a wing to Memory Care, while keeping the community occupied during construction.

The Goal

Create a cohesive, story-driven community that honors local history, integrates Memory Care seamlessly, and elevates first impressions to boost tours and marketability.

Collage of interior and exterior home design materials including paint swatches, fabric samples, wallpaper, a house photo, a landscape, and sketches.

Our Approach

Historic Inspiration
Warm wood tones, classic trim, and heritage-inspired patterns nod to the Annaburg Mansion.

Nature & Local Storytelling
Artwork and palettes echo Virginia’s rolling landscapes and stately gardens, creating a calming sense of place.

Memory Care Conversion
Soothing colors, familiar cues, and subtle pattern play support comfort and intuitive wayfinding.

Model Rooms as Marketing Tools
Four fully styled model rooms helped prospects instantly envision home.

Seamless Phasing
A seven-phase renovation plan minimized disruption for residents and staff while maintaining operations.

Living room with beige armchairs, a black coffee table with a decorative bowl, a wooden console table with books and a decorative ball, a fireplace with a fire, built-in shelves with decor and books, a mounted TV above the fireplace, and a modern chandelier with candles hanging above.
View of a dining area with multiple tables and chairs, a chandelier, a fireplace, and windows with curtains, seen through a glass partition with wooden framing.
Living and dining room with round table and four chairs, large windows with curtains, sofas, fireplace, and hanging chandeliers.
A cozy living room with patterned chairs arranged in a circle, a large black ottoman in the center, built-in shelves with decorative items, and two dog portraits on the wall.
Two glass jars filled with dog treats on a dark wooden surface, with abstract wall art in the background.
Living room with built-in shelves filled with decorative items, a sideboard with plants and picture frames, a round dining table, and a cushioned gray chair with a black frame. A window with white curtains is on the right.

The Results

The refreshed design delivered a cohesive, tour-ready experience. Families felt confident, staff felt proud, and the community’s marketability, and Memory Care offering, were significantly strengthened.

Renovated memory care entry in Manassas, VA with home-like door, wreath, planters, and welcoming design for residents.

Your community is talking.
Let’s make sure it is telling the right story.