Acclaim Rehabilitation and Care Center

Acclaim Rehabilitation and Care Center: Setting New Standards in Subacute Patient Care

Restoring Elegance and Enhancing Care at Acclaim Rehabilitation and Care Center

Acclaim Rehabilitation and Care Center, a historic nursing facility in Jersey City, NJ, recently underwent a remarkable transformation aimed at revitalizing its aging structure while enhancing the living experience for its residents. The project, led by GutVann Architecture in collaboration with Excelsior Healthcare Group, represents a fusion of technical innovation and thoughtful design.

A Vision for Renewal

The facility, originally constructed in phases dating back to the early 1900s, had evolved over the decades into a sprawling structure with several underutilized spaces. When Excelsior Healthcare Group took over the facility, a bold vision emerged: to convert a largely vacant four-story wing into a vibrant hub of care and comfort.

The building’s first floor — previously occupied by administrative offices, an old chapel, and a large, unused theater — presented an opportunity for transformation. Meanwhile, the second and third floors, once home to resident rooms but long since abandoned, offered the potential to create modern, private accommodations.

Technical Innovation and Systems Upgrades

This project was as much a technical achievement as it was a design success. The entire facility’s mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems were replaced or upgraded to meet modern standards. Special emphasis was placed on ventilation to ensure improved air quality, infection control, and comfort. New HVAC systems were designed and installed to provide optimal airflow and climate control, fully meeting contemporary healthcare ventilation standards.

All new systems were carefully coordinated to minimize disruption to the active nursing home. The phased construction approach allowed the facility to remain fully operational while work progressed. This required intricate planning and precise execution to maintain patient safety, comfort, and continuity of care.

Enhancing Security with Advanced Door Locking Systems

In response to the unique safety needs of long-term care facilities, the project also included a comprehensive security study that addressed both newly constructed areas and the existing facility. Specialized door-locking arrangements were designed to strike a delicate balance: maximizing resident comfort and independence while ensuring their safety.

The newly integrated security system included clinical needs locking mechanisms, carefully positioned to reduce elopement risks while accommodating residents’ clinical care needs. This enhanced security strategy ensures peace of mind for staff, residents, and families alike.

Reinventing the Resident Experience

The vacant upper floors were meticulously redesigned to include 19 private resident rooms per floor, each featuring a dedicated bathroom with modern finishes and accessible amenities. New nurse stations, dining rooms, and lounges were integrated throughout these floors, ensuring residents would have welcoming spaces for socialization and relaxation.

GutVann Architecture collaborated closely with structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineers to implement comprehensive system upgrades. New HVAC, fire protection, and sprinkler systems were installed throughout the renovated areas to meet modern safety and comfort standards.

Transforming the First Floor

The project’s scope also included a significant reimagining of the first-floor spaces. The once-underutilized theater and administrative offices were converted into a vibrant and functional series of amenities:

• New Lobby: The redesigned entryway creates a welcoming first impression for residents, families, and staff. The spacious vestibule enhances accessibility and provides a warm, inviting atmosphere.
• Therapy Gym: The addition of a state-of-the-art therapy gym — complete with an Activities of Daily Living (ADL) suite — enables residents to practice essential life skills in a safe and supportive environment.
• Theater Room: The former theater was reborn as an intimate, comfortable space for social gatherings, entertainment, and community engagement.
• Conference Room & Offices: Modernized office spaces and a dedicated conference room provide staff with efficient and organized workspaces for care planning and team coordination.

Interior Design and Finishes

The project’s interiors, led by designer Susan Strauss, balance elegance with functionality. Her design selections focused on creating a warm and comforting atmosphere that feels more like home than a healthcare facility. The color palette, materials, and finishes were carefully chosen to enhance relaxation and promote wellness.

Phased Construction for Minimal Disruption

The project was initiated in 2021 and carefully planned in multiple phases to ensure full functionality of the facility during construction. By isolating work zones and implementing comprehensive infection control protocols, the team minimized the impact on residents and staff.

Collaboration and Leadership

The project was guided by a team of dedicated professionals. Principal Architect Josh Vann and Healthcare Team Lead Rochel Leah Hoberman oversaw the design and engineering efforts. The construction process was coordinated with Herman Gluck, the Owner’s Representative, who played a pivotal role in ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards were met.

A New Era for Acclaim Rehabilitation and Care Center

The result is a renewed Acclaim Rehabilitation and Care Center — a facility that honors its rich history while embracing the future of long-term care. The improved layout, modern amenities, enhanced security, and upgraded systems reflect a commitment to both design excellence and resident well-being. Acclaim now stands as a model for integrating modern healthcare advancements into a historically significant structure, ensuring its continued role as a trusted care provider in Jersey City for years to come.

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