San Joaquin Gardens was originally constructed in four phases, opening in 1966.

In the first phase, we opened 88 independent living apartments. These were studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments that came equipped with kitchens, fine carpeting, and draperies. In the second phase of San Joaquin Gardens construction, we built six congregate care (Assisted Living) buildings. Each of these buildings consisted of 28 rooms with private baths along with a lounge, dining room and auxiliary kitchen. The third phase added an Administration Building, including an assembly hall, office, recreation room, and central kitchen. The final phase added The Health Center, which qualified as a licensed nursing home. It contained 56 beds, a lounge, a dining room, and nursing stations.

Even in the early phases, San Joaquin Gardens had a thriving activity program. This included a band; a bazaar; Sunday worship; a tea to welcome new residents; crafts; pumpkin pie socials; ice cream socials; movie nights; and much more. Only 22 percent of the population was male, so there were additional activities for them including a men's breakfast club, woodshop, and billiards.

San Joaquin Gardens was already a great success. After the first few years, our campus was full, and already additions were needed. In 1971, we added 12 cottage apartments. Just two years later, we added two additional wings to The Health Center. This addition created room for 22 more beds. In 1977, another eight apartments were opened to add more living space for our booming community.

In 1980, San Joaquin Gardens opened a main dining room and an enclosed spa. This change allowed us to serve one meal per day to independent living residents. During the next eight years, our community went through little change, until it was realized that the demand for assisted living was decreasing while the demand for independent residential apartment was continuously increasing. To meet those needs, we converted two congregate care buildings to apartments.

Even with the addition of many new apartments, the demand for residence at San Joaquin Gardens was still great. So in 1992, the two-story Orchard Building was opened, creating 64 more independent living apartments. The Commons Building opened at the same time and included administrative offices, the Garden Mart, the Garden Cafe, a library, a craft room, a conference room, and much more. We added a swimming pool and new spa behind the building, and these opened for use in 1993.

Since its opening, San Joaquin Gardens has met the current and future needs of its residents. Now, at the beginning of the 21st century, changes are in progress to serve the needs of today's seniors. To meet the growing desire for two-bedroom apartments, we have converted 24 one-bedroom Evergreen apartments into two-bedroom deluxe apartments. These conversions have been a huge success, and the luxury apartments are being enjoyed by residents.

The activity program at San Joaquin Gardens has also gone through some changes. A special focus now is the mental and physical well-being of our residents. A computer program with tutors and the Internet is actively being used. A state-of-the-art fitness center and a successful wellness program are in place. We are continually developing ideas for future improvements in this area. For example, a lecture series is being planned that will focus on the physical, spiritual and intellectual aspects of residents' lives.

Today, 40 years after opening its doors, San Joaquin Gardens has 175 residential living apartments, 42 assisted living apartments, 22 memory support apartments, and 88 beds in The Health Center. Our community is constantly growing and changing to meet the needs of current and future residents. With an amazing past and a bright future, it is no wonder that San Joaquin Gardens has been voted Fresno's Best Retirement Community by the Fresno Bee for the past four years!

Contact us for a schedule tour of San Joaquin Gardens. Call Linda Johnson at 559-439-4770, ext. 116, or send e-mail to LJohnson@abhow.com.