Ranch & Coast Magazine

EXTERIOR: PHOTO BY VINCENT KNAKAL RENDERING: COURTESY OF BELMONT VILLAGE SENIOR LIVING e result was, at the time, a revolutionary community — the first that combined independent living, assisted living, and a secure neighborhood for memory care — shaped by Will's belief that things could, and should, be different. at belief, she says, "launched an idea process in me that said we need to change the paradigm, and the paradigm cannot be a series of takeaways, because there has to be a lot of 'gets' in this period of life between 65 and 100. Yes, people have needs. Some may be physical, some may be cognitive, but there's also an opportunity to engage, to enjoy terrific hospitality, to continue to want a view, to have a really vibrant life. So, my idea was to work on all of the 'gets' instead of the 'give-ups.'" Nearly 25 years later, there are 33 Belmont Villages throughout the country, and the 15th and largest in California opens its doors this month on prime real estate in La Jolla's University City. But it's not its size — or its record waiting list — that makes this location stand out in Will's eyes. Created in partnership with noted real estate developer Greystar, this community takes full advantage of all the benefits of its ideal location. "I loved the idea that we're not only in La Jolla but that we're close to UCSD and we're very close to UTC, but more than all that, we could capture the breezes and the views. So, this is the Belmont Village where I want to live," says Will, who splits her time between Rancho Santa Fe and Houston. "La Jolla is, for me, a dream come true." While she believes it's the indoor-outdoor living that truly shines — including its swimming pool, outdoor dining, and outdoor gym space for tai chi and yoga — the residential spaces pack plenty of wow factor as well. "e terraces of many of the apartments have wonderful 360-degree views," she beams. "And that's La Jolla! You open the windows of those apartments and the breezes are unbelievable." Built from the ground up, the property consists of 17 floors. Common areas are found on the ground floor, and the roughly 180 residences comprise the remaining floors. e lowest two offer memory care with dedicated common areas, followed by another two floors serving those with mild cognitive impairment, with assisted living above and independent accommodations at the top. roughout the community, residents enjoy unique activities and programming, engagement, and even proprietary programs developed through partnerships with institutions including e UCSD Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging and the Center for Healthy Aging. "I think the biggest [reservation] is that people believe that in moving to a community like this, there's some kind of loss of independence," says Will. "e best way I can describe it is to describe what happened to my mom. She said, 'Your places are very nice, but I'm never moving into one. I want to be in my own house.' She ultimately did move in as she was in physical decline, and the morning after, she said to me, 'Why did I wait so long? is place is great!' So, I think that we need to disabuse people of the idea that there's a loss here." Belmont Village La Jolla's ribbon cutting will take place on July 14, with grand opening events planned throughout that weekend. Residents are expected to begin moving in at the end of this month. 858.879.8859, belmontvillage.com Focus family Belmont Village La Jolla Belmont Village social lounge design concept << @ranchandcoast ranchandcoast.com 48 JULY 2022 RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE

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