Creating Communities
of People, for People.
Each day at Emerald Communities, we strive to create communities that exceed the wants and needs of older adults—both today and well into the future. This singular focus guides us in every aspect of our organization.
At Emerald Communities, wellness is an action word. Throughout this vibrant community, we support each other in the pursuit of growth and improvement in seven significant aspects of wellness: emotional, social, spiritual, intellectual, environmental, physical and vocational. Through this holistic approach, we can each achieve and maintain optimal health and independence, at every age and every stage. Wellness is at the heart of everything we do.
Purpose & Values
To support aging with confidence, we create exceptional environments and experiences where residents, staff and community members thrive.
We fulfill our purpose in alignment with our core values of Integrity, Courage, Trust, Compassion and Respect.
Not-For-Profit
30+ years. One vision.
In 1992, Emerald Heights opened its doors in Redmond, Washington, bringing to life the dream of a better kind of retirement living.
It all began with the forward-thinking vision of Whitney Corwin, a Bellevue resident who discovered the Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) model and saw its potential to enrich lives. At the time, CCRCs were only available in Seattle—and with long waiting lists. Determined to create something closer to home, Corwin rallied community leaders and board members who worked tirelessly for nearly a decade to find the perfect location and secure financing. Their efforts culminated in the opening of Emerald Heights, the first Type A Life Plan Community on the Eastside.
Building on that foundation, Emerald Communities expanded its vision in 2017 with the opening of Heron’s Key in Gig Harbor. Like Emerald Heights, Heron’s Key offers the promise of Life Care and a vibrant lifestyle, extending our mission to serve more older adults throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Today, more than 30 years later, Emerald Communities continues to thrive, guided by the same vision that started it all: creating innovative, supportive, and enriching communities where older adults can live life fully.
From vision to reality.
Growing With Purpose
Today, Emerald Heights is home to more than 550 residents, each bringing energy and character to a community that continues to thrive. As lifestyles and expectations of older adults evolve, we’ve kept pace—ensuring that our services, programs, and amenities reflect what today’s and tomorrow’s generations value most.
In 2017, we extended that same vision to Gig Harbor with the opening of Heron’s Key, our second Life Plan Community. The response has been tremendous. Thanks to the success of both communities and the growing demand for high-quality senior living in the Pacific Northwest, Heron’s Key is now entering its Phase II expansion, adding 54 new apartments and cottages.
At the heart of it all, our residents, board members, and dedicated staff remain the true foundation of Emerald Communities. Their passion and commitment have shaped who we are today—and where we are headed tomorrow. With new opportunities on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to plan ahead and secure your future with us.