Railton Residence

Railton Residence sits in a 14-story red brick building downtown, and it's got quite a long history as it first opened before the Great Depression as part of the Robert E. Lee Hotel chain, later became the Evangeline Booth Home during World War II for military wives, and then housed many low-income and working women who needed shelter over the years, and the place even helped Salvation Army beneficiaries after 2010. Folks find both covered and surface parking, and the building's got ramps and access features for people who need them, with one- to three-bedroom apartments and every unit has its own kitchen and living room, plus balconies, decks, or patios are available in many spots. There's a laundry center, computer center, fitness club with equipment, and meeting rooms set up for residents, and you'll find a pool, though sometimes neighborhood kids or neighbors hop the fence, which brings a bit of extra company. Residents get nutritious meals planned and cooked by staff, and cleaning and repairs get handled pretty quick to keep things comfortable. There are programs for independent living, memory care, and assisted living, and they help folks with daily needs, medication, and personal care, while keeping it all focused on helping everyone stay as independent as possible. Short-term respite stays are welcome, and Railton allows cats, so pet lovers can bring their companions. The building's got a Romanesque look, was built with cast concrete, and after a $14 million renovation in the late 2000s, it's now a modern place while still sitting on the National Register of Historic Places since 2007. Many find the meals and friendly service are well-liked here-sometimes even winning awards-but as with any older building, the history's still felt in the walls and the stories you hear from longtime folks, and the community keeps up that tradition of helping out people from all walks of life as part of The Salvation Army's affordable housing mission.