JAMES CITY-Williamsburg Landing is undergoing renovations thanks to a memorial gift from a former resident, the late Dr. Hans Kopper, and his wife, Brigitte.
Kopper left an $800,000 gift as an endowment in his will to Williamsburg Landing, which will be used to upgrade part of the continuing care retirement community’s outdoor area. The first phase of the beautification project is now complete with the opening of The Kopper Bar, an outdoor dining and seating area.
“When Dr. Kopper talked about the beauty on the property, he just lit up,” said Lisa Bates, a staff member at Williamsburg Landing.
Kopper moved to Williamsburg Landing on the advice of a friend, Bruce Milne, a local contractor who later came to work at the community. Kopper became close with the entire team who worked at Williamsburg Landing and wanted to do something to express his gratitude for their hard work and creativity, and eventually decided on a campus beautification fund.
The Kopper Bar is a patio that was previously unused even though it overlooked one of the community’s pools. Now there are tables and chairs with umbrellas as well as planting beds and flowers. The area will be used for residents for Happy Hour events on Fridays and other activities.
Five percent of Kopper’s endowment will be spent per year on projects to improve the property that encompasses 150 acres currently built out. Next year’s project will be an outdoor kitchen beside the pool.
