CCRC / LIFE PLAN NOMINEE

Enso Village – A Kendal Affiliate

Enso Village is America’s first Zen-inspired life plan community, offering an innovative approach to aging mindfully through a unique blend of Zen-inspired principles and Quaker values. The not-for-profit community is the result of a collaboration between the San Francisco Zen Center (SFZC), the largest Soto organization with a foothold in the West, and Kendal, a system that wields the reputation and strength of its highly respected national brand, providing communities the benefits of being part of a larger organization without compromising operational autonomy or uniqueness.

City/State:
Healdsburg, CA
Date of Completion:
11/2023
Project Size (Sq. ft)
435,000 SF
Owner:
Kendal at Sonoma
Operator:
Kendal
Architect:
HKIT Architects (Architect of Record) Mithun (Lead Design Architect)
Interior Design Firm:
Perkins Eastman
Builder/Contractor:
The Weitz Company

Deeply influenced by Zen meditation and mindful living, Enso Village places a strong emphasis on the joys of nature, environmental stewardship, and contemplative care. Enso Village resides in the heart of Sonoma’s wine country, nestled within a 16-acre campus set among the rolling hills of Healdsburg, California. The property is sited to take advantage of its pastoral environment, surrounded by gently sloping hills, vineyards, and woodlands. Two miles of tranquil walking paths connect the community’s indoor and outdoor spaces. The campus includes 221 independent living, 30 assisted living, and 24 memory care residences, all designed to support aging in place with access to higher levels of care as residents’ needs evolve.

Residents of Enso Village enjoy a wide array of amenities that nurture both spiritual and physical well-being. At the center of the community is the Zendo (Meditation Hall), a designated space for meditation and reflection. The community offers farm-to-table dining experiences, various dining venues, a teaching kitchen, and an on-site farm that provide a range of fresh and healthy meal options. The Tierra Cocina Bistro, inspired by the famous Greens Restaurant in San Francisco —an early pioneer in vegetarian cuisine—further reflects the community’s commitment to healthy living. Residents enjoy seasonal menus featuring daily specials crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Enso Village adheres to the ecological principles of ‘living lightly on the land,’ striving to achieve the highest levels of sustainability while leaving the smallest possible ecological footprint, all without compromising the quality of the dining experience.

Enso Village’s wellness program features state-of-the-art facilities, including a fitness area, yoga space, and an indoor swimming pool. A variety of classes geared towards exercise and exploring the outdoors are offered throughout the week to keep residents engaged and connected. Walking trails and paths throughout and around the community, as well as a bocce court offer opportunities for outdoor activities.

Sustainability is a core value at Enso Village, as evidenced by its achievement of Green Bond financing, a first in senior housing. This commitment to sustainability is reflected in every aspect of the community, from its design and construction to its daily operations.