Rising high above its neighbors, Park Shore offers an unobstructed view of Lake Washington and the surrounding mountains. Residents of this Madison Park retirement community can take full advantage of the premium location by visiting a promenade deck on the 15th floor. Here, a stunning, panoramic view is available with Mount Rainier and Mount Baker looming on the horizon.
Given this idyllic setting, it's not surprising that Park Shore always operates near full capacity.
"We have a marvelous location," said Stan Saltzberg, Park Shore's director of admissions. "A lot come here because this is the one lakeside retirement community in Seattle. That's why we're always full or near full."
There will not be any other high-rise communities joining Park Shore on the Madison Park waterfront. Constructed in 1963, Park Shore preceded the Shoreline Management Act, enacted in 1971 to protect the state's shorelines by regulating development in areas such as Madison Park.
"It was grandfathered in. First us, and then our next-door neighbor, Washington Park Tower went up in 1966. I think that's all the neighborhood could handle," Saltzberg said, noting that three stories is now the maximum height for new buildings in Madison Park.
Although Park Shore is a spirit-based community affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, it is not owned by the church. In fact, the parent company changed its name from Presbyterian Ministries Inc. to Presbyterian Retirement Communities Northwest to avoid confusion.
"The name was changed so our name would indicate what we actually are," Saltzberg pointed out.
The long waiting list
Park Shore has had a waiting list for more than 25 years, although Saltzberg said that new applicants shouldn't be discouraged. When a unit becomes available, he sends a letter out to everyone on the list and gives them a week to respond. Typically, only two or three people respond as the majority of applicants aren't ready to move in yet.
"Someone who got on the waiting list three months ago might have the highest priority. Sometimes it takes a little bit of luck," Saltzberg said.
The minimum age for residency is 62, and Park Shore considers several factors, including health and financial stability, when choosing a prospective resident. Typically, those tapped are in good health and can live independently.
The retirement community does offer three different levels of care, though: residential or independent living, assisted living and nursing care. Of the approximately 200 residents, 150 are independent, with the balance in the other two categories.
Applicants must be able to verify that their resources are adequate to meet the anticipated costs during residency. Rates vary according to the size, view and location of each apartment and range from $1,700 to $4,400 per month. Once accepted, no resident under a continuing-care contract is discharged because of an inability to pay.
"Should an individual - through no fault of their own - exhaust their financial resources, they can stay and we'll subsidize their expense of living here," Saltzberg explained.
Since opening more than four decades ago, Park Shore has hosted retired Seattleites who have made their marks in such fields as business, law, finance and education.
"We've had a lot of folks that I'm sure are in 'Who's Who,'" Saltzberg said. "It's a pretty educated group - people who have reaped the benefits of higher education."
An array of activities
In addition to its spectacular surroundings, the retirement community also offers a host of services. Some of the amenities included with a resident's monthly fees are a full-service dining room, weekly housekeeping, apartment maintenance, a computer learning center with Internet and e-mail access and a comprehensive wellness program that includes a staffed fitness center.
There is even an on-site comedy club that Saltzberg established six years ago called Humor and Healing. On the last Friday of each month, 25 to 35 residents gather together for laughs and companionship.
Residents and members on the waiting list are encouraged to attend activities off the retirement com-munity's grounds. Some of the available excursions include visits to McCaw Hall, Benaroya Hall, Seattle Art Museum, as well as longer-distance trips to Portland and the Grand Canyon.
"It's a great place for people who are looking for activity and socialization," Saltzberg said.
Glenn and Catherine Keister moved into Park Shore six years ago. As Catherine puts it, "location, location, location" was the main draw, and the couple, formerly of Seward Park, also has enjoyed the abundance of social activities. They have participated in line-dancing classes and exercise programs, and Glenn founded Park Shore's newsletter, Grapevine.
"It's amazing how much of a community we have," Glenn said. "It's a great place to spend the rest of your life."
For more information, visit www. parkshore.org or call 329-0770.[[In-content Ad]]
