In south Topeka, just west of Topeka Boulevard, sits a sprawling campus, bustling with activity. On these 35-acre grounds, residents enjoy learning opportunities, social experiences, discussion groups, exercise, and more. Here, a new chapter of life begins!
This campus is Brewster Place, a retirement community that is 60 years young this year, raising the bar and offering a full continuum of services and care for all lifestyles and resident needs.
Residents connect over many shared interests: art, politics, weather, and the spirited rivalry between KU and K-State athletics. The sense of community extends seamlessly from the Maintenance-Free areas to Assisted Living and the Health Center. Residents, unified by age and a shared journey, find like-minded friends, creating bonds reminiscent of college camaraderie.
“Our residents are on a similar journey, as they may have been 60 or 70 years ago when they were college age,” describes Chris Gallagher-Sneden, Director of Sales and Marketing. “They are a group of people similar in age, experiencing a new chapter in life.”
Evolution through Renovation
Brewster Place, a pioneer in senior living in northeast Kansas, recently underwent significant renovations to align with the evolving preferences of baby boomers. Recognizing the demand for outstanding healthcare, social engagement, independence, and personalized living, Brewster Place added an auditorium, a warm water swimming pool, a coffee shop, and revamped dining rooms over the last four years.
The Redwood, Brewster Place’s flagship building inaugurated in 1964, witnessed a $16 million transformation with the addition of a sixth floor, a new clubhouse level on the first floor called The Club at Redwood, and four renovated residences. The clubhouse boasts a renovated dining venue, exhibition kitchen, gaslit fireplace, game area, art studios, a concierge desk, and a grand piano for formal events and impromptu sing-alongs.
The fifth floor unveils 13 redesigned suites, and the sixth-floor expansion offers six penthouse apartment homes with designer finishes, floor-to-ceiling windows, gaslit fireplaces, and expansive balconies.
The renovations at Brewster Place were meticulously designed to enhance residents’ daily lives. The reconfiguration of the first floor creates a seamless stroll from Assisted Living to the Redwood, making it more convenient for residents to access new amenities.
A Continuum of Care and Recognized Excellence
Brewster Place stands out as a Continuum Care Retirement Community, providing all levels of care on one campus. Nationally, statewide, and locally recognized for excellence, Brewster Place has received accolades such as the U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Nursing Home for 2023-2024” and the KDADS PEAK Award for person-centered care.
Creating a Home Beyond Walls
Beyond the physical renovations, Brewster Place excels in creating a true sense of home for its residents. Various service teams collaborate with new residents to customize their apartments and provide personalized attention in the initial days of moving in. Volunteer residents welcome newcomers and act as guides, facilitating a smooth integration into the community.
“A living unit becomes a home the minute a new resident feels safe, comfortable, and cared for,” Gallagher says. “With the Brewster staff and neighboring residents that happens pretty quickly at Brewster Place.”
As Brewster Place proudly celebrates 60 years of service, the Topeka community is invited to join the festivities the week of May 13th. Look for our ad with details in the April issue of Topeka City Lifestyle Magazine!
