Maryland’s first Green House residence for older adults is officially open. As a nod to the history of its 33rd Street location, this was “opening day” at the $12.6 million Green House Residences at Stadium Place. The project, Maryland’s first Green House community, was developed by the Govans Ecumenical Development Corp., or GEDCO, and will be operated by Catholic Charities.
The Weinberg Foundation committed just over $2 million to GEDCO for the Green House Residences, another example of Weinberg Foundation leadership in the “culture change” approach to residential care of older adults. Foundation Trustee Barry Schloss was among the speakers at today’s event.
The “Green House” Residences at Stadium Place will be home to 48 older adults requiring skilled nursing or short-stay rehabilitation care. An alternative to traditional nursing homes, a Green House “residence” houses 12 people, each of whom has a private bedroom and bathroom. Central to the concept, literally, is a common area known as the hearth, with a beautiful kitchen, living room, dining room, and even a porch. Residents participate as much as they feel comfortable in the day-to-day activities to encourage their own independence. Not to mention, the view can be pretty exciting. The Green House Residences overlook the new Ripken Youth Sports Park, where Memorial Stadium once stood.
The Weinberg Foundation is the only major U.S. foundation that has older adults as its largest area of grantmaking.