|
Featured
Article
Leisure
World, Laguna Hills
Article contributed by Frank
J. Hill, ABR, ASR, CRB, GRI, SRES
Broker/Owner Century 21 Rainbow Realty
Leisure
World, Laguna Hills, California (now referred
to as Laguna Woods Village in the City of Laguna
Woods) is the nation's leading planned residential
community for seniors. It was conceived and
developed by Ross W. Cortese, who built the
first Leisure World in Seal Beach, California
in 1960. Cortese, a man of unlimited vision,
believed that a void in housing existed for
a person age 52 and over.
To
find out what Seniors wanted he talked to civic
leaders, doctors, clergy and groups of older
people. He discovered that Seniors, those 52
and over, wanted a fresh new start in their
lives after raising a family, fulfilling a career
and, basically, justed wanted to be free of
household duties and the maintenance and up
keep of a home. They wanted to enjoy their "Golden
Years"!
Based
on his research Cortese, working with a team
of planners, architects, builders and designers,
started Leisire World in Laguna Hills in 1963.
His concept was to build a community that would
cater to the needs of seniors.
The first manor (residence) was completed in
November 1964 and the last manor in September
1980. Leisure World (the name was changed to
Laguna Woods Village in October 2005) has approximately
(2008 figure) 18,000 people who live in one
of the 12,736 residential units (6,323 co-ops,
6102 condos and 311 units in two tower buildings),
7 clubhouse (originally 6 were constructed,
but a 7th was added in 2005), 5 swimming pools,
10 tennis courts, 2 golf courses, an equestrian
center, 10 craft shops, 2 garden centers, 2
RV storage areas, a library, 2 fully equipped
fitness centers and over 200 clubs and organizations
for residents to participate in. Add to this
a "free" community bus service and a residence
security service that patrols the 2,095 acres
and mans the various entrance gates.
When
completed Leisure World contained all the elements
that Ross Cortese had envisioned in the early
1960's, security, access to local health care
facilities, nearby shopping, good transportation,
cultural events and programs, excellent housing,
recreational and educational opportunities and
various other activities designed for Seniors
to ensure their freedom and the opportunity
to enjoy their "Golden Years".
Article
prepared by Frank J. Hill, ABR, ASR, CRB, GRI,
SRES
Broker/Owner Century 21 Rainbow Realty
www.c21rainbow.com
No
unauthorized duplication without written consent.
|
