Celebrating 50 Years
of Incomparable Retirement Living

In 1975, Westminster Canterbury Richmond was established with a driving vision: to ensure the best life possible for our residents and to cultivate leadership in senior services.

Today, our award-winning, fully accredited Life Care Community is home to nearly 900 residents in independent, assisted, memory support and healthcare living, and employs close to 600 dedicated staff members. To top it all off, our new Vibrancy! expansion sets the stage for residents to Live Life Well for decades to come.

Let’s look at some highlights from the past 50 years.

1975: The Story Begins

Westminster Canterbury-House opens its doors. The first 375 residents move into the new Tower and health center. Later that year, Westminster Canterbury-Corporation and the Protestant Episcopal Church Home (PECH) merge. The 43 ladies from PECH become residents.

1980: A Charitable Endeavor

Westminster Canterbury Foundation is formed to raise and manage funds for Fellowship and other charitable purposes of Westminster Canterbury. 

1984: Expanding to Meet Needs and Connecting the Generations

Our new Mary Morton Parsons Health Center opens with 133 private rooms, space in the former health center is converted into 130 studio apartments and an area for assisted living takes shape. Our on-campus Child Development Center opens to care for children of employees and the Greater Richmond community. A unique intergenerational program brings children and residents together for activities that foster learning and joy. An addition was built to enlarge the 

1987: Certified Quality

Westminster Canterbury Richmond becomes the first Richmond-area retirement community to earn accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). We have maintained that credential ever since.

1995: New Buildings and Amenities to Cater to Younger Retirees

With a focus on wellness and active lifestyles, Project 95 begins. Among the new areas are 19 Garden Apartments offering a larger footprint and more features, an Aquatic Center and space for exercise classes and additional dining venues.

2000: The Next Chapter

Westminster Canterbury began its 25th year with plans for The Next Chapter expansion. The 25 acres adjoining the property is purchased and over the next five years the Homes on the Green, Courtyard Apartments, Avalon and The Gables, our exclusive memory support area, are built. Additional amenities include what will be our Sara Belle November Theater, McGue-Millhiser Arts Studio, Gordon Woodworking Shop, Cochrane Pond and expanded rehabilitation and clinic areas.

2007: A Vision to Live Life Well

From the launch of the Vision 2007 campaign and the 2011 Live Life Well campaign, donors to Westminster Canterbury Foundation gave generously to enhance Performing Arts, Studio Arts, Health Services and Memory Support programming. 

2025: A Year for Vibrancy!

Our Vibrancy! expansion adds 118 spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments featuring an array of floor plans and upscale design elements. A state-of-the-art Vital Living Center and Clubhouse complete the picture, offering programs and services that cultivate all dimensions of wellness.

See Why We’re Still Setting the Standard for Excellence

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