The Terraces of Phoenix Celebrates 50 Years in the Valley

March 29, 2013 - PRLog -- PHOENIX, Ariz.: A continuing care retirement community in the heart of Phoenix first opened its doors half a century ago, back when most of today’s residents were in their 20s or 30s. While the community has transformed significantly throughout the years with consistent updates, additions and renovations, residents say the long-standing tradition of an enriching lifestyle and quality care offered at The Terraces of Phoenix has remained unchanged.

Residents, staff and their families will join community leaders to help celebrate this milestone anniversary on Friday, April 12, from 1-4 p.m. at The Terraces of Phoenix, located at 7550 N. 16th Street in Phoenix. Guests will enjoy great food, a sensational lineup of live music and entertainment including the San Tan swing band and stories from Arizona’s Official State Historian, Marshall Trimble.

“As a service organization, it’s an honor to have served thousands of residents over the last five decades and provide them with an engaging lifestyle in their 70s, 80s, 90s and beyond,” said Tom Dorough, executive director for The Terraces of Phoenix. “As we look back at our strong commitment to the quality service and value that got us here today, we also eagerly look ahead at the progress and innovation planned for the future of our community.”

“This is a great milestone for our community,” said Mayor Greg Stanton. “I thank the hard working staff and fantastic residents for making The Terraces of Phoenix a point of pride in our city for 50 years.”

Over the years, The Terraces of Phoenix — originally called Orangewood — has been transformed on the inside and out. They have redeveloped commons spaces and customized apartment homes, offered new and innovative programming and activities for residents, introduced advancing technology to ensure efficiencies and quality throughout the community, evolved fitness and wellness programs, and refined dining services to reflect changing tastes. As the community looks ahead, plans are currently underway for a $1 million campus renovation, which will include expanded dining, fitness and wellness spaces. Construction is expected to begin this summer.

The Terraces of Phoenix transformation timeline:
• In 1961, Orangewood broke ground on the $3 million project, which  included 200 casitas.
• In 1963, construction was completed and more than 240 older adults  moved to the brand-new community.
• Since 1972, The Terraces of Phoenix has been managed by ABHOW, a  leading non-profit provider of senior housing with a mission of enhancing the  independence, security, and well-being of older adults.
• For five years, The Terraces has been accredited by CARF-CCAC, an  independent, nonprofit organization. Accreditation requires a community to  meet strict national standards and is awarded to fewer than 1 in 5 CCRCs  in the country.
• In 2004, the community underwent an $87 million redevelopment of more  than 65% of the 22-acre campus and was renamed The Terraces of  Phoenix. Phases two and three followed in 2008 completing the campus  and in 2013, The Terraces celebrates 50 years as a leading Phoenix  continuing  care retirement community. Today, the community serves more  than 350 seniors each day.

Editor’s Note: Lorimer Olson is a current resident and the former executive director for The Terraces. He worked at the community for 12 years and is available for interviews and can give personal insight on the changes the community has made over the years.