History of Midland Senior Housing

Within a very short time, it became obvious that the need for such housing far exceeded the supply. After extensive study, an addition to the original facility was opened in 1984. This project was funded by a grant from the Gerstacker Foundation, the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, and the Midland, Hearst, Allen, Barstow and Dow Corning foundations. In addition, widespread community support from The Dow Chemical Company, the Midland Housing Commission, local businesses and churches, as well as the general citizenry, made this effort - coordinated by the Midland Foundation - a resounding success (see photo at right of groundbreaking ceremony in 1984, with, from left, former Midland Mayor Joe Mann and former U.S. Congressman Bill Schuette, plus former Housing Commission President Art Chomistek, at right).

Expanding Facilities

When Washington Woods East opened, it became the only facility of its kind in the Midland area providing support services such as a meal plan and health monitoring to a broad income range of senior citizens.

Once again, demand exceeded supply, and in 1990-91, a repeat fundraising effort, coordinated by the Midland Foundation, brought together the same winning combination of funding sources to create Riverside Place, a 150-unit facility on Midland’s Main Street.

Senior Housing Today

The City of Midland operates two Independent Living Senior Communities with a total of 364 units dedicated to providing seniors with quality, affordable housing in an atmosphere where the residents are fully engaged in a well-rounded community; through friendships, activities, health and wellness programs. Our residents sustain the ability to actively pursue their passions and purposes in life.  These communities are Washington Woods Senior Housing, 821 Cambridge Dr. and Riverside Place Senior Housing, 400 E. Main St.