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The Retreat

PROJECT 

SRa has provided architectural services for The Retreat, a non-profit organization committed to providing affordable, accessible residential recovery services to help alcohol and drug dependent individuals, since 2002 when they moved to the Big Woods location in Wayzata. The original building from the 1900s was a convent occupied by the Sisters of the Cenacle. Many challenging projects have been undertaken to integrate the site and improve function such as a men’s wing expansion, women’s wing expansion, The McIver Center, and a chapel. These spaces were designed with the goal of creating a peaceful, healing atmosphere for attendees. Elements that contribute to this include the nature mural framed by the warm wood walls in the women’s wing, the bright, open living units complete with soft white and tan finishes, and the preservation of the beautiful exterior brickwork complete with the Tudor style façade patterning. Understanding that battling addiction is no easy feat, SRa utilized thoughtful design and architecture as a framework to produce an environment equipped to promote healing among individuals. 

RESULT 

With the work done on the historic building that The Retreat inhabits, they are able to continue to push forth their mission of helping those suffering with these unhealthy dependencies. Their dedication to giving these individuals a second chance at a fruitful life is truly noble and shows the immense courage and compassion that they have. SRa is an incredibly proud supporter of this great organization that seeks to make positive change in the lives of those who need it. 

PROJECTS
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Jocelyne Dougan

Project Coordinator

During Jocelyne’s formative years she spent a lot of time with her grandmother painting, drawing, and making all sorts of crafts. As a child she watchedher dad, helpingwhere she could, renovatetheir home from the ground up. Theylivedin a constant cycle of demolishing and rebuilding,to make something new andbeautiful. As a teenager she began taking advanced art classes and making pottery whenever she had free time between classes and after school. Looking at Jocelyne’s childhood, architecture seemed like an obvious choice, but it was not so clear when Jocelyne entered college. She began her post-secondary education studying accounting due to her interests in business throughout high school.However,she quickly realized that creativity was a necessity for her future career. Jocelyne changed her major to architecture and transferred to the University of Minnesota. It was there thatshe grew her knowledge of architecture as well as, interior design, history, and art. In 2018 she graduated with her Bachelor of Design in Architecture and began working at a firm in Saint Paul, gaining experience in both government and educational design. She soon returned to the University of Minnesota to complete her Master of Architecture degree with the hopes of pursuing licensure. Now that Jocelyne has completed her master’s degree, her professional goals aim to experience as many opportunities as possible both for the sake of learning as well as the need to feed her inner child’s love of art and exploration. Jocelynehopes to apply a wide range of knowledge and skills to better inform an all-encompassing design practice.

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