In 1967, the founders of Tower One, Irving Enson, Beatrice Horowitz, Linda Kantor, Jim Vlock and Leanor Wexler, envisioned a living space that would be a “college-style” dormitory for people 62 and older.

The 21-story high-rise, independent living community, located at 18 Tower Lane in New Haven, was designed by renowned architect Charles Moore and was completed in 1971. The founders of Tower One could not have anticipated the wonderful community that has blossomed some 50 years later. But as The Towers prepares to celebrate 50 years, it has surpassed its founding vision, becoming a community in its own right.

The Towers will kick off a year-long celebration of its golden anniversary on Sunday, Sept. 10, with an on-site event held from 1-3 p.m.

An early innovator in senior housing planning and design, The Towers offers a wide range of lifeenriching programs and activities. When Tower One was built, people were moving in younger and some were still working. By recognizing the changing needs of seniors over the years -- the average resident is now 88 – The Towers has been able to ensure residents are safe and cared for in their home.

Since 2000, more than 100 apartments have been made handicapped accessible with larger bathrooms and doorways thanks to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grants. A new, larger elevator also accommodates wheelchairs and walkers, supplementing the two existing elevators in Tower One.

As the needs of the residents have changed, The Towers has been proactive in changing as well. Not only structurally with the addition of assisted living apartments, but also bringing more activities and programs on-site for those who may have difficulty getting out. The Towers Foundation supports a fulltime life enrichment coordinator who plans activities and programs on-site.

The foundation is funded by generous donations and this important work would not be possible without these gifts. Simply stated, the goal of the foundation is to provide a life worth living.

“We will continue to grow and provide more onsite, life-enriching programs and services for our residents and their families,” Interim President and CEO Jackie Curl said. “We are hoping that this year we will build our endowment to help ensure our success for the next 50 years. Whatever the future holds for us, our number one priority is to provide the highest quality of life to our residents.”

For more information, call (203)772-1816, or go to towerone.org