Holiday Retirement - Senior Independent Living & Retirement Community sat at 39 Highland Street in West Hartford, a three-story concrete building that opened in 1967 and closed in 2024 after serving seniors for decades with independent living and retirement options. The property has about 32,400 square feet, and folks knew it for its 42 resident rooms, each with private bathrooms and simple comforts like high-speed internet, air conditioning, cable TV, and a chance for residents to decorate and make things feel like home with their own furniture. The place came with a recently installed rubber roof, a secondary power source to keep the lights on, and an elevator to help everyone move around more easily, and it was right next door to Hughes Health and Rehabilitation. The building offered a safe, home-like environment for seniors, with no maintenance worry, daily housekeeping, and personal laundry services. There was a commercial kitchen, large common rooms for gathering, arts and activity rooms, a movie theater, a library, and even a game room, plus outdoor spots like a courtyard and garden for visiting or just enjoying some air.
Residents could bring small pets, and the community always welcomed visitors and friends from around Connecticut, Boston, and New York, which helped keep a lively, social feel. The staff stayed on hand twenty-four hours a day, friendly and well-trained, to help with anything residents needed, from emergency calls to simple questions. Programs targeted seniors who enjoyed being independent, plus those managing daily tasks with a bit of help, those with mild cognitive impairment, or folks needing a short respite stay. Meals were provided three times a day in a shared dining space, and nurses were available for health help, with specialized care like doctor visits and hospice available as needed. Transportation services let residents get out to local attractions or medical offices, and structured daily activities kept minds and bodies busy, with music events, social clubs, and fitness offerings. Residents always had chances to make new friends, join outings, and have their privacy respected. There was a strict no smoking rule in all indoor spaces and the community supported an age-restricted, independent lifestyle for seniors, focusing on respect and dignity.
In 2024, Holiday Retirement closed, and the building went up for sale, now considered a good redevelopment opportunity with possible zoning changes needed for conversion to apartments or condominiums. The site fits within a larger trend seen in West Hartford, with old or underused buildings turning into housing, but as of now, no new plans have gone public. The neighborhood stays quiet and safe, close to local shops, restaurants, and health care services, and there's off-street parking behind the building. The RI zoning allows for senior facilities, schools, or colleges if anyone wants to follow that route. All in all, Holiday Retirement served as a straightforward, community-focused place for senior living, and now waits for whatever comes next.
