Wesley Palms: Mid-Century Modern Reimagined

By Ben Geske, Executive Director at Wesley Palms Retirement Community



Wesley Palms Patio Home


When I first started working at Wesley Palms as the newly minted Executive Director, my boss told me, “You’re next Ben.” He was referring to the upcoming campus-wide redevelopment project. 

What he meant was that Wesley Palms would be the next Front Porch community to be “revitalized.” Subsequently, we held a “Visioning Meeting” to determine the direction of the “new and improved” Wesley Palms campus and the wheels were set in motion. 

It was determined that the entire Wesley Palms campus, including its central main building, would be demolished and rebuilt from the ground up. Density was to more than double and all existing trees, (including its iconic palm trees), were to be removed in order to accommodate the nearly 450 new accommodations that were to be built. It was not certain if the name “Wesley Palms” itself would remain after the campus-wide redevelopment was completed. An architecture team was hired and plans were drawn up and submitted to the City of San Diego for approval.  

But then we paused for a period of time and started to rethink our approach …

We asked ourselves just what is it that has made Wesley Palms such a wonderful and unique community for seniors for nearly half a century? Time and again we kept coming back to the openness, the beauty, and the wonderful array of plantings and trees that sets Wesley Palms apart from any other retirement community. If we knocked everything down, we reminded ourselves, then everything that has made Wesley Palms what it is and what it stands for would be lost forever.

Wesley Palm Patio Home Kitchen

So it was at this point that we started formulating “Plan B,” which called for preserving as much of the essence and beauty of Wesley Palms as we could, while at the same time upgrading the community to be a viable, cutting edge community that would be a leader in retirement living for the next century to come. In this vein it was decided that we should capitalize on the original mid-century architecture and celebrate what was all around us – not only on the Wesley Palms campus but in the surrounding Pacific Beach neighborhood as well. The architecture team of M.W. Steele was hired, along with Nuera Construction, plans were drawn up for a campus that would be remodeled in the mid-century modern ascetic.
The project broke ground on April 1, 2015, and as of this writing we are more than half-way completed with this award-winning, awe-inspiring project that is garnering praise from residents, staff, family members, and visitors alike. We are very proud of the campus as it blossoms into a beautiful, modern day showcase of elegance and sophistication, while at the same time paying homage to the relaxed and comfortable feel that is inherent in its mid-century modern design.

I encourage you to come for a visit and see our new patio homes and all the wonderful amenities that go with them.





On Right: Ben Geske, executive director
 at Wesley Palms Retirement Community

Wesley Palms Retirement Community Inaugurates Phased Redevelopment

Senior Living Revitalization Celebrates Mid-Century Modern Origins and Embraces Dedication to San Diego Community 


Wesley Palms, a Front Porch full-service retirement community on San Diego's beautiful Mt. Soledad overlooking the Pacific Ocean, announces a redevelopment plan comprising a revitalization of the iconic mid-century main building apartments and amenities, and the unveiling of 29 new patio homes in place of existing cottages in the first two phases. The phased revitalization commenced in April with the ethos to preserve the mid-century modern aesthetic of the original construction which opened in 1962. The revitalization will improve the 35-acre parkland and retain Wesley Palms' character, serving as an ode to an iconic era in California architecture and a complement to the style of the adjacent neighborhood. 

Architect’s rendering of one of the six new patio home models that will be offered as part of  the Wesley Palms Retirement Community revitalization project. This two-bedroom, two-bath twin home model  named “Verbena” measures 1,317square feet and features mid-century styling and an open plan design

The patio homes in Phases One and Two will be completed within the first fourteen months and are slated to open for residents in summer 2016. Wesley Palms welcomes new and returning residents to reserve their new home. Current residents will be given first priority and interested individuals are invited to join the 'interest list' for current and future phases. Currently there are 15 two-bedroom patio homes available for reservation.

Wesley Palms will continue its current operations as a vibrant, supportive community throughout the phased revitalization. Summer House at Wesley Palms memory care neighborhood and Courtyard catered living cottages will continue to accept new residents as openings become available.

Mid-century modern aesthetic fused with contemporary amenities

Details of the first phases include a transformation of 26 cottages into 29 exquisite patio homes, improvements of amenities within and around the main building, and enhancements of the extraordinary landscape. Wesley Palms' modern revitalization will enrich the retirement lifestyle offerings for current and future residents. Upgrades to the main building include:
Interiors will be converted to enhance connectedness among residents with added amenities such as a café, remodeled library and reading patio, business center, fitness/wellbeing center, chapel, and the addition of a heated therapy pool.

The structural integrity and iconic façade of the main building, with its signature chevron porte cochere and classic mid-century architecture, will be retained, given the mid-century southern California appeal of the original 1962 design.

Main building residences will be remodeled and refreshed with new windows, plumbing, electrical and HVAC.


The revitalization will introduce new single-story patio homes with the sleek style and function of mid-century modern design. Built with the temperate San Diego weather in mind, the twenty-nine patio homes in Phases One and Two will celebrate nature and open plan living, highlighting: an indoor-outdoor lifestyle with airy, barrier free designs to take advantage of parkland or ocean views; generous windows and high ceilings to welcome natural light and beauty of the natural landscape; sleek touches like mosaic glass backsplashes, cathedral ceilings, clerestory windows, designer kitchens and baths and large patios for soaking up the Southern California sunshine; walking paths connecting to outdoor courtyards, fostering a sense of community and encouraging neighborly gatherings.

"The new patio homes and added amenities are just a couple of reasons why we're so excited about what the revitalization brings to Wesley Palms residents and the greater community," said Wesley Palms Executive Director Ben Geske. "We have an extraordinary location, a unique history and a strong sense of community that we will celebrate and honor with this revitalization plan."

The Wesley Palms revitalization will be the latest endeavor in Front Porch's mission to create thoughtful and unique places that are respectful of the environment, celebrate the individual, and attend to the natural aesthetic of form and function. Attention to sustainability and reverence for the environment are key features of the new Wesley Palms community. For example, the revitalization will retain and enhance the following elements: the indigenous and mature landscape, reuse of foundational building materials, energy efficiency and low water usage, and selection of green building materials.

Wesley Palms calls its revitalization effort '360 degree living.' Overlooking downtown San Diego, Mission Bay and the Pacific Ocean, Wesley Palms offers all of the nearby benefits of San Diego living including beautiful beaches, world famous attractions, and the art and culture of La Jolla and San Diego just minutes away. Wesley Palms boasts convenient access to highways, San Diego International Airport, a cruise terminal, exceptional health care systems and excellent universities.

About Wesley Palms
A Front Porch full-service retirement community, Wesley Palms is located in San Diego's Pacific Beach neighborhood near the top of Mt. Soledad overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Wesley Palms boasts a 35-acre park with lush landscape inspired by Kate Sessions, famed San Diego horticulturist. The community is known for its energy and vibrancy, which is reflected in the community's design. In 2012, the community was awarded the National Association of Home Builders Gold Award for its innovative interior design in its remodeled lobby and common spaces. In 2014, the community received the National Association of Home Builders Silver Award for its design and development of Summer House memory care neighborhood at Wesley Palms. For more information about Wesley Palms, visit www.wesleypalms.org.

About Front Porch
Front Porch is Southern California's largest not for profit provider of senior living. Each Front Porch community has a unique style with a broad range of options and service, including independent living, skilled care, assisted living and memory support. Headquartered in Glendale, California, Front Porch is dedicated to doing everything Humanly Possible(SM) to meet the needs of older adults now and in the future. Using innovative design and socially responsible principles, Front Porch seeks to enhance the lives and lifestyles of active adults and seniors through development of unique communities in extraordinary locations. Front Porch has managed many award-winning redevelopment projects and remains dedicated to developing communities that are economically sound, environmentally responsible and supportive of community spirit.


For more information contact:
Michelle van Kriedt/Jamie Mesenburg
Email Contact
(415) 986-7212