The Terraces of Los Gatos is the newest retirement community owned and operated by American Baptist Homes of the West (ABHOW). Our nine-acre campus has 175 residential living apartments, including ten patio homes, 35 assisted living apartments, and 59 skilled nursing units. It is uniquely located in a suburban residential neighborhood in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains and yet in vibrant "Silicon Valley."

The story of The Terraces of Los Gatos began in 1972 when concerned members of the Presbyterian Church of Los Gatos, through architect Rex Morton, expressed the need for affordable retirement housing in the Los Gatos area. In 1978, after years of researching and learning about issues and senior housing, a timetable was outlined for the development and completion of the community in mid-1986. By 1979, little progress had been made to secure the land adjacent to the church.

In 1981, Glenn Rouse, newly elected acting chair of the Church Board, energized the project by beginning serious negotiations with Northern California Presbyterian Homes (NCPH) to develop the project. On March 5, 1982, Ralph Knight, president of NCPH met with the board at a planning retreat where formal agreements for the project were finalized. It was then that the board learned that NCPH would not be interested in pursuing such a project because of a commitment to another one at the same time.

During the latter part of November 1982, an option on the land was secured and plans for a community meeting were well underway. Being urged to team up with an experienced developer, the board invited Dr. Richard Ice, then president of ABHOW, to attend its next meeting. A proposal was received from ABHOW in 1983 to assist in purchasing an option for the land and to aggressively pursue the project beginning in 1985. Construction was to start in 1986.

In June 1983, a meeting of the board and ABHOW staff began the new partnership. Because ABHOW would not commence activities on the project until 1985, the board utilized this time to initiate discussions with Los Gatos Town staff and selected a San Francisco architectural firm to assure the success of the project.

The partnership with ABHOW began in early 1985 with the appointment of a marketing director to concentrate efforts on The Terraces. Zoning was approved in April of 1986, and after many meetings with the Planning Commission to iron out traffic and safety issues, final approval was granted in October.

In May 1987 the Los Gatos Presbyterian Homes Corporation dissolved its corporate structure and all members of that board agreed to continue to serve as Board of Managers of The Terraces. Thus ended ten years of complete and unequaled commitment to the challenge of developing retirement housing. Their intent and goals had been met. The challenge was not over, however, as a new round of hearings began in mid-1988 with officials of the Town of Los Gatos to discuss revisions to the project plans. Deliberations, negotiations, rejections and, finally, approvals were granted in April of 1989 – four years after the first plans were submitted to the Town planners. A glorious ground-breaking ceremony took place on March 13, 1990.

Residents enjoy a full spectrum of activities and services, which include exercise and educational classes, outings to performances, museums, tours and hikes, as well as entertainment and games. Resident life is supported by the health and wellness program, transportation, activities and chaplain services designed to engage the mind, body and spirit in maximizing individual resident satisfaction and well-being. Nineteen years after architect Rex Morton presented the dream and concept to the board of the Los Gatos Presbyterian Church, The Terraces of Los Gatos became a reality.

Today, residents enjoy the beautifully landscaped grounds that feature four gardens, each one named after a season of the year, designed to be in bloom that season. There are covered pathways throughout the campus, a swimming pool and spa, workshop, assembly hall, convenience store, computer center, library and three elegant dining rooms all conveniently located for easy access.

The Terraces of Los Gatos celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2002 with full occupancy. That’s a fitting milestone for this chapter of The Terraces’ history – a story of selfless, dedicated, and undaunted people who pursued a vision. They prevailed and the fruits of their efforts give life and enjoyment to residents, employees, board members and others who live and are a part of this newest ABHOW community.