Lesley Towers is a twelve-story high-rise in downtown San Mateo at 700 Laurel Ave, close to the Japanese Garden, Central Park, the public library, and public transportation, and it's been around since its rehabilitation in 2017 with major seismic upgrades and new patios and trellises that make the outdoor areas feel friendly and comfortable, with a nice welcoming entry from the street and even a connection to a neighboring park that's nice for fresh air or a walk. The complex is part of Lesley Senior Communities and runs as a non-profit, built in partnership with HUD, with full compliance to the Fair Housing Act and California's regulations, so it operates with a sense of fairness and respect for residents' dignity, offering affordable housing intended for older adults with very low to extremely low incomes. There are 198 total units-158 studios and 40 one-bedroom apartments-with each apartment having its own kitchenette, and they're watched over by a Resident Manager after hours and on weekends, while management staff is there during the regular business hours to help residents with housing concerns.
Residents get comfortable apartments in a well-maintained building that's had a full seismic upgrade with reinforced concrete walls and sprinkler systems, and the facilities include laundry rooms with washers and dryers, a full commercial kitchen and dining room on the first floor, a fitness center, a salon/barbershop, a game and activities room, conference space, and guest parking, so there's plenty to do and use. Studios, single rooms, and two-bedroom apartments are set up to meet different needs and the apartments have modern finishes while keeping the building's exterior as it's always been. There are new apartment layouts, and everything is kept up to date for comfort and safety, especially since safety and handicap features are included to help with mobility. The place is designed to give a convenient living experience, with maintenance and housekeeping services, laundry and dry cleaning, cable TV access, and Wi-Fi/internet. Residents also have access to transportation services, long-term care insurance options, and personal care assistants when needed, though Lesley Towers strictly offers housing only, so there's no meal program or assisted care licensing in place, but there's still a kitchen and dining area for those who cook at home or gather together to eat.
Lesley Towers has a Director of Resident Services who oversees social services programs, and there are supportive services to help link residents to transportation, counseling, homecare, financial management, and healthcare, plus a care guide and staff who help assess when a resident might need a higher level of care and can give advice about other housing or care options if needed. There are also interactive tools available, like a symptom checker and resources for behavioral health recovery, along with a full health library for residents who want information about their medications, tests, and procedures. Residents can enjoy various social and wellness activities, arts and crafts, and education programs run for the community, which can help keep people involved and active. The building is kept secure, with a sprinkler system and emergency services, and the apartments are set up to respect resident privacy and independence, while community areas like the new patios, trellises, and outdoor spaces at a human scale make it easier to get to know neighbors. There's a studio waiting list and the service is available on a confidential basis, maintaining residents' dignity. Rent prices range from $2,500 to $9,000 per month, depending on the apartment size and services, and while the facility doesn't offer licensed assisted living or meal programs, the management and maintenance teams work to keep everything welcoming, comfortable, and in good condition for everyone who lives there.
