Washington Woods reveals renovations after $4MM investment

Walk into city-owned Washington Woods on Cambridge Street in Midland, and you’ll immediately feel the warmth and sense of community from residents and staff, now coupled with a multi-million dollar aesthetic. The independent senior housing facility recently completed a $4 million project for renovations of the west wing, attracting the young-at-heart back to the area.

Several local foundations contributed to the project, including $2.5 million form the Herbert H. & Grace A. Dow Foundation, $1 million from the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation and $500,000 from the Charles J. Strosacker Foundation.

Lori Jung, Assistant Manager of Senior Housing noted, “We gutted almost everything in the apartments. It’s all brand new and completely updated with kitchen cupboards, appliances, flooring, high-rise toilets, patio, lighting, heating and cooling, walk-in showers and grab bars have been installed.” One of the updated kitchens in Washington Woods

Located in a wooded area, the patios overlook the serene landscape where you can often see deer, birds and squirrels. Jung noted additional amenities, adding, “We have a nursing clinic on staff Monday through Friday for home-coordination and routine check-ups, full laundry services, daily maintenance, meal plans and a full activity program.”

Parallel to the renovations and amenities, is the healthy social culture and family-like community that can be experienced only through a visit to the residence. Washington Woods offers a broad spectrum of events from craft time, singing groups, Bible studies and religious services, movie nights, health programs and educational courses. The facility even has polka night, taking place in the newly renovated activity center. Each winter Washington Woods hosts an indoor walk-a-thon throughout the building, calculating how many total miles walked.

Differing from other facilities in the area, residents have freedom to come and go as they please, without checking in and out with the front desk. Lori commented to say, “It’s important that each member maintains a sense of independence. Some are even still working.”

Cheri has been a resident at Washington Woods since January 2010. When asked about her favorite aspects of living in the community she said, “The kitchen is completely new! It’s quiet here, and in the winter I get to hibernate. They have a lot of activities and you make a lot of friends.”

Shirley, a fellow resident spent over a year researching Washington Woods before committing. She comments, “There are people to talk, bingo, music, and you can stay inside and watch it snow. It’s what I’ve always dreamed about!”

Washington Woods has approximately 20 new rooms available and is eager to set the bar for independent senior living. Upon moving in, each resident has a personal resident coordinator to help him or her get connected. A city-owned facility, Washington Woods is eager to give back to the community, creating a place of home for every member that comes through their doors and 2018 is off to a strong start.