Photos by Marco Franchina
Explore the vibrant world of Living Out Palm Springs, a groundbreaking LGBTQ+ and 55+ community designed for active adults. Unveiled to the public last week, the luxurious 122-unit complex, spanning nine acres in downtown Palm Springs, promises a unique blend of upscale living and community engagement.
Distinguished guests, including Senator Barbara Boxer, celebrated the grand opening with festivities that showcased the community’s diverse offerings. From a Mediterranean feast and endless appetizers to live performances by the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus and Olympic-level synchronized swimmers, The Water Lilies, the event set the tone for what this unique community has to offer.
A great centerpiece of this urban oasis is the Alice B. restaurant from the acclamined duo of Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken. The restaurant anchors the complex and serves as a hub for social interactions.
The pool area is not just for recreation but also designed for significant socializing, laps, and water aerobics. Bocce ball courts, a putting green, and an event lawn further enrich the communal experience, hosting everything from live performances to Shakespeare in the Park.
Pets are not just allowed but encouraged, with a spacious park catering to both small and large dogs. Tailwaggers, an LA-based facility on-site, provides comprehensive services, including retail, grooming, daycare, and overnight boarding.
However, the community’s allure extends beyond its exterior. Inside, residents can enjoy a 25-seat theater for movies and streaming shows, a community room offering free breakfast from Alice B. every morning, and healthy take-out options. Additional amenities include an art studio, game room, hair and nail salons, a fitness center, and a daily on-site nurse from the nearby Eisenhower Medical Center.
The meticulously designed apartments reflect mid-century style, boasting state-of-the-art kitchens, roomy patios, and balconies. One-bedroom units, spanning 1,100 square feet, include a den and a large walk-in closet with breathtaking panoramic views of the San Jacinto and San Gorgonio mountains.There are also tow bedroom units for those wanting addtional space.
Loren Ostrow, the developer and a prominent member of the local LGBTQ+ community, shared his vision at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Addressing the question of why Palm Springs, already known for its LGBTQ+ friendliness, Ostrow emphasized the importance of creating a space where community naturally thrives, breaking the barriers of isolation that often accompany aging.
Residents like Richard Alther, an artist and master swimmer, echo this sentiment. Having experienced isolation after the loss of his husband, Alther found solace in the vibrant community of Living Out Palm Springs. The facility’s rich program of events and the welcoming atmosphere of Alice B. have become catalysts for residents to engage with the local community.
The emergence of Living Out Palm Springs transcends mere accommodation, evolving into a vibrant community that cultivates connections and enhances the well-being of its inhabitants.
