Nestled on the edge of Cedar Lake is a secluded spot that hundreds of people have called home. Established in 1866, Jones-Harrison Senior Living has spent 135 years maintaining a senior living facility that today serves second and third generations of some of its first residents.
“Generational trust is something that we hear about all the time,” shares Jacquie Jurva, the director of Development. People who visited their grandparents at Jones-Harrison are now enjoying the same space, and a pleasant familiarity exists for them. They have returned to a place they remember fondly from picnics and celebrations.
It is truly remarkable that Jones-Harrison has stayed true to its original vision while evolving and changing over so many years. The 1970s board presidents spoke of Commitment, Compassion, Courage because they faced some challenging times. However, this mantra was always at the heart of Jones-Harrison.
Whenever there was a need, someone stepped up to offer a solution or pitch in. Sometimes it was the donation of food or a gift of new living room furniture. Other times it was the financial advice that led to new approaches and solvency. The can-do attitude of the founders and the Women’s Christian Association, now YWCA, carries through to to - day.
When it was founded, the accommodations were quite different from the ones now required by law in a senior housing facility. The first building was the Octagon House and seemed very modern at the time with its raised basement to reduce drafts and porches that offered fresh air. However, in only three years, it was deemed uninhabitable and was demolished.
Through donations of funds, materials and furnishings, Benton House was completed in 1901 with room for 40 women and a beautiful cupola on top. This was to be the first of many building projects. Ben - ton House, along with Lindsay Hall (1923), Margaret Hall (1937) and Bourne Hall (1957) would all be exciting new additions that would eventually be replaced by even new- er buildings, Julia Dyckman Hall (1979) and Lakeside (1972).
Within all these different buildings, the same focus on the care and enjoyment of the residents has endured for 130 years. From the com plete infirmary in 1957 to the Wasie Wellness Center with a warm-water therapy pool in 1998 to the most re - cent addition of an onsite dialysis center in 2023, Jones-Harrison has been in the forefront of new medical practices. At the same time, the staff has remained diligent about offering activities to the residents.
Residents venture into the surrounding areas on buddy walks or rickshaw rides and spend time in the beautiful gardens or at a cookout in the courtyard where the cupola now resides. They also can ride the activity bus to events around the Twin Cities. Moreover, they can always find activities on site. The library, dining rooms, a craft room with a kiln, musical concerts and religious services are just a few of the opportunities that keep the residents busy.
Jones-Harrison works on inclu - sion as a place where “people can be who they are.” Although originally established as a home for aged women, men were admitted in 1923. In 1950, the first Black resident moved in. Today there is the Rainbow Con nection, a weekly gathering of LGBTQ residents and allies.
