DEVELOPMENT MARKS A UNIQUE NEW APPROACH TO MINDFUL AGING AND THE IMPORTANCE OF CREATING VIBRANT COMMUNITIES FOR OLDER ADULTS
Slated to open in 2027 in Simi Valley, Enso Verde is a collaboration between the San Francisco Zen Center, and Kendal and represents a first-of-its-kind, inclusive and socially aware approach to life plan communities.
The San Francisco Zen Center, a landmark of American Zen practice, together with The Kendal Corporation, a visionary provider of communities, programs and services founded on Quaker principles, announce plans for a revolutionary new Life Plan Community called Enso Verde, set to open amongst the beautiful nature of Simi Valley in 2027. Like its sister community, Enso Village, opening in Healdsburg in late October 2023, the essence of Enso Verde lies in its embodiment of kindness, compassion, inclusion, mindful aging, and connection with the environment. Enso Verde will be a vibrant, active community for mature adults 60 and over, offering an exceptional and mindful living experience while maintaining a commitment to “living lightly on the land.”
“Simi Valley seemed like the perfect place to settle after Healdsburg, thanks to the city’s vibrant, open-minded approach to wellness, diversity and sustainability,” explains Susan O’Connell, Founder Zen Inspired Senior Living and the Spiritual Director of Enso Verde. “It will also be a bit of a homecoming for me since I spent many years in Southern California as a film producer and part of the creative entertainment community. I think Enso Verde is going to fit in nicely!”
“Kendal is excited to bring decades of experience to this planned development of a community that will offer another transformative option to older adults seeking meaningful experiences as they age,” Steve Bailey, Chief Strategy Officer of The Kendal Corporation. “This second collaboration of Quaker and Zen-inspired values will ultimately provide a unique option for older adults who desire a different type of retirement in the nation’s second-largest metropolitan area.”
Enso Verde reads like a picturesque California resort, with simple, high-quality natural finishes and an indoor-outdoor design sensibility. Members of the 240 residences on the expansive 21-acre property will have access to several live-in spiritual teachers of various traditions, gardens and walking paths spread across the dry creek bed that runs through the property, meditation hall, yoga and tai chi classes along with farm-to-table restaurants including one inspired by the Zen Center’s own iconic Greens Restaurant in San Francisco.
The timeline for the opening includes the following key dates and milestones:
- Now through early 2024 — in-person events throughout Southern California and via Zoom
- Now accepting refundable $1,000 deposits to join the Wisdom Circle and access significant savings
- Mid-2024- early 2025 — information about the design, project plans, and specific pricing for residences becomes available; accepting 10% Charter member deposits on specific residences to lock in pre-construction pricing and other savings and benefits
- 2025-2027 — Construction; various Wisdom Circle-only events, communications and announcements
- 2027— Grand Opening
For more information or to receive an invitation to an upcoming event, please visit: https://verde.kendal.org/ and, to join the Wisdom Circle, a priority membership club, interested parties can go to: https://verde.kendal.org/priority-membership/ or call 805-723-2955.
