Pines of Sarasota Foundation Announces the Re-Opening of Pines of Sarasota’s Assisted Living Facility

Press Release-

February 12, 2019, Sarasota, FL:  Pines of Sarasota Foundation is pleased toannounce the re-opening of Pines of Sarasota’s Assisted Living Facility following a $3.9 million renovation made possible by major support for Pines of Sarasota Foundation from the Esther & Harold Mertz Foundation and the community. Major work began in May and was completed in December with residents welcomed back to their renovated home in time to celebrate the new year.

Nancy Close, Trustee of the Mertz Foundation said, “The mission of the Esther & Harold Mertz Foundation is to show kindness and compassion toward those in need of aid in a manner that will provide hope, restore independence and bring happiness and gratitude into their lives. Pines of Sarasota Foundation’s mission fits precisely with what Mrs. Mertz envisioned.”

Pines of Sarasota Foundation President Janet K. Ginn said, “We are truly humbled by the Mertz Foundation’s trust in Pines of Sarasota Foundation. And we are sincerely grateful to Esther M. Mertz for her belief in the power of hope and compassion and for her vision and generosity in creating the Esther & Harold Mertz Foundation.”

Pines of Sarasota President and CEO, Mike Ward, said, “The renovation was an opportunity to create a more modern facility to serve current and future residents, as well as the beginning of a vision for Pines’ future.” The new design offers a broader variety of room sizes and configurations, private bathrooms in all rooms, and open floor plans with kitchenette and dining area in the larger suites. New features include a café, a craft and activity room, expanded outdoor venues, and a re-configured entrance with circular drive and Pines’ signature porte-cochere to welcome visitors and residents and shield them from inclement weather as they arrive and depart.

The renovation of the Assisted Living Facility was the first step in a transformation of the senior care community’s campus. A master plan for the campus, currently under development by Ward, is being designed to enable Pines of Sarasota to continue to serve for decades to come. Pines of Sarasota Foundation is proud to support the mission, vision and future of Pines of Sarasota.