Ya-Po-Ah Terrace sits at the foot of Skinner Butte in downtown Eugene, Oregon, and some folks around here call it The High Place because it's the city's tallest building, even the tallest in Oregon outside of Portland, across 18 floors with 222 apartments for seniors age sixty-two and older. The building went through big renovations from 2019 to 2020 so now the apartments have things like updated electric, plumbing, fresh finishes, triple pane windows, and air conditioning, and folks will get lots of sunlight and views of the city, the Willamette River, and even the Sisters Mountains on clear days through those big windows. There are studio, alcove, one-bedroom, and ADA apartments, all with full kitchens so residents can cook at home if they want, and the rent is kept affordable with no big buy-in fees, plus Section 8/202 HUD rent subsidies for those who qualify, and all utilities are included except for phone, cable, and internet.
The three and a half acres around the building have walkways, flower and vegetable gardens, a picnic and barbecue area, and plenty of places to sit either in the sun or shade, and seniors can join the Garden Club each spring or just grow their own vegetables, herbs, or flowers. There's a restaurant inside that's open for breakfast and lunch with homemade meals, takeout, and room service, and there's a grocery store for everyday needs and treats, so folks don't have to go far to find what they want. If someone wants to get cleaned up or have their hair done, there's a beauty and barber shop open three days a week, and everyone can use the colorful laundry room with a change machine and supplies right on site. There's also a library with books, DVDs, and puzzles, and a performance hall for entertainment.
The Resident Services Coordinator helps people with their community service needs and sets up health talks or visits from clinicians to help with health or welfare questions. Seniors can join activities like Wii games, Bingo, book club, spiritual gatherings, game nights, movie nights, knitting group, writers and philosophy groups, and outings with outside entertainment groups. There are also two exercise classes, Strength and Balance and Tai Chi, led by outside teachers, so folks can keep moving, and volunteering at the grocery store, in the garden, for activities, or greeting newcomers is encouraged.
The Lane Transit District bus stops right at the driveway which makes trips around Eugene and Springfield easy, plus Ya-Po-Ah Terrace's own bus takes residents on shopping runs twice a week and other local outings now and again. The community's known for being non-smoking since 2011, except for one designated spot, and is described as warm and inviting, a "Community Under One Roof," focused on comfort, security, social time, and independence.
Ya-Po-Ah Terrace has a community rating of 7 out of 10 from reviews. There's a way to schedule tours and ask questions online if someone's interested. Legal protections based on gender identity, orientation, and income source apply here. The building is part of Eugene's downtown, surrounded by other rental choices, and it's been a member of the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce since 1995. There's no information about extra fees, but people say living here means less worry with maintenance-free homes and help always nearby when needed, which is probably why it's one of the better known high-rise retirement communities in the area.
