The doors to the luxuriously appointed Churchill Estates on Lullwater and Northwest Highway opened in September of last year.

Five short months later, executive director Natasha Austin not only knew all of her residents living in the 175 unit facility, but many of the folks in the surrounding neighborhoods, as well.

So much so that when the winter storm hit Dallas in February and knocked out power to many households, Natasha was concerned for the welfare of her new friends.

She offered them temporary housing in the three guest quarters at the senior living facility - even sending the town car to get them. Now that’s outrageous customer service - just like the website says!

The Lake Highlands Churchill Estates is the newest of 10 senior facilities across North Texas, all under the umbrella of Churchill Residential, Inc. Additionally, Churchill operates three family living facilities.

The company was founded in 2002 with the philosophy of developing and operating high quality senior housing. According to Austin, that’s exactly how the Lake Highlands location operates. "We do a lot of things outside the box," she explains.

"We’re reaching out to our community, helping out in any way we can. We want to welcome the seniors in our community to enjoy our amenities, whether they are prospective Churchill residents or simply our good neighbors."

That welcoming spirit is a blessing to the many active seniors who will call Churchill Estates home during the 8 - 10 month renovation scheduled to take place at the Lake Highlands North Recreation Center.

Close to 40 LH North seniors, mostly the Bridge players, are currently hosted by Churchill Estates. Austin says her residents were more then amiable to the short term hosting, and the facility has the space.

"We’re happy to share our facility, free of charge. Also free of charge is coffee for our guests, and if any donations are received, we’re kicking them back to the group."

Along with the Bridge players, Churchill welcomes other groups from the LH North Rec Center, including the garden and book clubs. Churchill is also offering the use of their pool for swim classes.

While the luxurious facility has a beautiful dining room and a La Madeline style bistro which guests are welcome to avail, Austin is happy for them to bring their own lunches, and even provide refrigerator space, knowing that many guests are on fixed incomes.

"Initially folks were skeptical, thinking we’d try to ‘hard sell’ them, but that’s not the case, and now they know that. We just want to welcome them and do our part for the community."

This win-win relationship between Churchill Estates and LH North Rec Center came to be thanks to long-time Highland Meadows resident and former Wallace Elementary teacher Marge Falk. Her son, who lives in St. Louis, contacted Churchill Estates on behalf of his mother.

When Churchill representatives invited the two to lunch, as they do all their prospects, a friendship was born. In April, when Falk learned of the temporary closing of the rec center, she and a small committee of seniors approached Austin with the proposition of Churchill hosting activities.

"Natasha was so receptive and everyone has been so gracious," says Falk. "It’s really wonderful for us to be able to come here."

"To make it easier on us, so we don’t have to walk too far when we visit, Natasha has us park on Lullwater. We can come right in the back door, closer to where we play Bridge."

In addition to absorbing some of the rec center programming, Churchill has also begun partnering with the Elks Lodge just across the street for progressive dinners. Next up is a charter trip with the Elks to Choctaw Bingo in Oklahoma.

Then there are the well-stocked libraries and numerous monthly resident activities. Churchill also operates a wellness program known as Total Patient Care (TPC) that incorporates a variety of on-site health services, including visiting physicians and health and fitness instruction.

Perhaps the best that Churchill Estates has to offer is another Churchill Estates, currently under construction and scheduled to open in October. The Villages at Lake Highlands will be more of an Assisted Living facility.

At the onset of the construction of Churchill Estates back in 2008, Councilman Jerry Allen was perceptive when he said, "They’re taking a tired, old, vacant apartment complex and transforming it into a new, vibrant retirement facility. The neighborhood is clapping."

Indeed they are, as is the Churchill staff, who are thrilled - and having fun - with their new community friends.

"I’ve never seen an independent living facility population like this," says Austin. "And it’s really great."

For more information about Churchill Estates, visit their website here or call 214.343.6400.

Get in touch with Executive Director Natasha Austin at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or Concierge Elizabeth Guerin at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) with programming questions.