Stonewall Gardens Scheduled to Welcome Residents by Mid-Summer
Stonewall Gardens, Palm Springs’ first senior assisted living village for the LGBT community and friends, is scheduled to open in mid-summer 2014. Located at 2150 N. Palm Canyon Drive in the burgeoning Uptown neighborhood of Palm Springs, the 24-unit community will be operated by Northstar Senior Living, one of the premier providers of senior living in the country.
Originally built as a 1950’s bungalow style resort, Stonewall Gardens will offer stylish midcentury modern design, beautiful desert landscaping, and serene water features. Located close to shopping, restaurants, and entertainment venues for music and art, the campus will consist of two one-bedroom apartments, two shared apartments, and 20 deluxe studios. The Uptown area of Palm Springs is emerging as a neighborhood with new and existing restaurants, hotels, and communities. Stonewall Gardens is close enough to the vibrant Uptown Design District while still being quiet and secure.
“Stonewall Gardens will offer assisted living services with levels of care for all activities of daily living, medication and health needs,” explained Steven Kregel, Chief Operating Officer at Northstar Senior Living. “A full-time licensed nurse and 24-hour professional care staff will cater to residents’ needs so they can enjoy resort-style living to the fullest, with the dignity and respect they deserve.”
Amenities include an open air dining setting with Executive Chef prepared meals, outdoor entertainment area for BBQs and parties, and a patio with every apartment. Additional highlights: open ceilings with exposed wood beams, large bathrooms and energy efficient windows, flat screen TVs, and ample parking for guests. Educational, social & recreational programs will also be available.
Construction and renovations have been underway since late March, and while several other LGBT retirement and/or assisted living communities have been discussed in the past, Stonewall Gardens is a reality.
Regarding the need for an assisted living community with a focus on LGBT seniors, Kregel stated, “LGBT seniors in cities across the country are facing a lack of housing options as they age. As the number of older adults increases, as well as the number of LGBT seniors living openly, so does the need for more housing options that allow older LGBT people to live in a safe, supportive environment.
Many LGBT seniors face open discrimination as a result of their sexual orientation so they often go back in the closet when choosing retirement communities and assisted living facilities. With the large LGBT population in Palm Springs, this is a community that is truly underserved. We are changing that.”
“The opening of the Stonewall Gardens in the Uptown area is really exciting news for the City,” said John Raymond, Director of Community & Economic Development for the City of Palm Springs. “Not only is the product itself much needed, the City Council decided over a year ago that filling vacancies and redeveloping properties in the North Palm Canyon and South Palm Canyon Drive areas was a priority. The opening of this facility inches us closer to seeing that happen.”
Kregel added: “As an LGBT-centric community, we anticipate that the majority of our residents will be of that background. However, our community is one of inclusion, and if a non-LGBT person or couple wishes to make Stonewall Gardens their home, we would welcome them.”
Entrance fees for Stonewall Gardens start at $3,500, and monthly fees begin at $3,850 based on the level of care required for each resident. Reservations/deposits are currently being accepted and a model is expected to open for tours in late July 2014.
To inquire about availability at Stonewall Gardens please visit stonewallgardens.com.
