August 4, 2023 —ENSO VERDE, THE FIRST EVER ZEN-INSPIRED SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY TO OPEN IN LOS ANGELES 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.
LOS ANGELES, CA; July 31, 2023 – 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.”
“Los Angeles 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 LA 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 805-750-4461.
ABOUT ENSO VERDE
Enso Verde, set to open in 2027 in Simi Valley, CA, is a Life Plan Community that draws inspiration from Zen and Quaker philosophies. A collaborative effort between The Kendal Corporation and the San Francisco Zen Center, Enso Verde will offer adults aged 60 and older an exceptional and mindful living experience where members can live independently, while organizing all aspects of their social, intellectual, cultural, and spiritual lives.
The essence of Enso Verde lies in its embodiment of kindness, compassion, inclusion, mindful aging, and connection with the environment. To ensure a holistic approach to care, the team will be extensively trained in Mindful Caregiving. The community will span 21 acres— a bucolic backdrop set along the base of verdant hills and encompassing 300 residences that include independent living, assisted living, and memory support options. Additionally, Enso Verde will offer farm-to-table healthy dining, a community garden, and dedicated spaces for mindfulness and meditation. Enso Verde provides opportunities to express one’s nature through spiritual practice, with the understanding that wellness encompasses caring for the body, mind, heart and spirit. The design, layout, aesthetics and amenities are all designed to offer time and space for silence, daily meditation, teachings, spiritual companionship, solo retreats, work practice, and communal meals.
ABOUT THE KENDAL CORPORATION
Kendal began in the late 1960s when a committee of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of Quakers sought “a better way in retirement” based on Quaker values. While remaining true to its roots, the Kendal System continually evolves to meet the needs of residents, staff and broader society. This combination of tradition and innovation creates an environment that fosters learning, community and integrity.
The Kendal System wields the reputation and strength of its highly respected national brand, providing communities the benefits of being part of a larger organization without compromising operational autonomy or uniqueness. Twelve current affiliate communities range from park-like campuses in small college towns to high-rises in metropolitan areas, as well as a Lifecare at Home model. No matter the community, they all share a commitment to lifelong learning, community connections and wellness.
ABOUT THE SAN FRANSISCO ZEN CENTER
San Francisco Zen Center was established in 1962 by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi (1904-1971) and his American students. Suzuki Roshi is known to countless readers as the author of the modern spiritual classic, Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind. The Zen Center has three practice places: Beginner’s Mind Temple, in the vibrant heart of San Francisco; Green Gulch Farm, whose organic fields meet the ocean in Marin County; and Tassajara Zen Mountain Center—the first Soto Zen training monastery on the West coast—located in the Ventana Wilderness inland from Big Sur. These three practice centers offer daily meditation, regular monastic retreats and practice periods, classes, lectures, and workshops.
San Francisco Zen Center is a practice place for a diverse population of students, visitors, lay people, priests, and monks guided by teachers who follow in Suzuki Roshi’s style of warm hand and heart to warm hand and heart. All are welcome.
San Francisco Zen Center’s programs also reach out to the community, helping prisoners, the homeless, and those in recovery; protecting the environment; and working for peace. Suzuki Roshi’s disciples and students of his disciples now lead dharma groups around the country. For more information visit https://www.sfzc.org/.