Pickersgill is a nonprofit retirement community with a strong heritage of benevolent purpose. Begun in 1802 by a small group of caring ladies, Pickersgill is dedicated to helping each person achieve, with dignity, the proper balance between independence and assistance. We take pride in our blend of traditional values with contemporary living. We provide a comfortable home and high-quality care at a reasonable cost, and promote each resident's vitality of spirit.

Description:
Pickersgill is a continuing care retirement community for residents 62 years of age or older. There is no entrance fee.

There are 87 independent apartments ranging from studios to two-bedroom areas. Monthly apartment fees include one meal daily; full kitchens; 30 free days of nursing care; weekly housekeeping; parking; all utilities except telephone; weekly linen service; transportation to Towson and surrounding areas; social and recreational opportunities.

There are 109 assisted living units and 60 private rooms in skilled nursing care with special safety features. Monthly fees for these areas include three meals per day; housekeeping; medical care; laundry; all utilities except telephone and cable; parking; social and recreational opportunities.

There are formal and small dining areas, coffee shop, meditation room, libraries, art therapy, physical therapy, auditorium, meeting room, computer workshop area, sun rooms, beauty and barber shop, flower gardens, walking paths, convenience store, laundry rooms, parking garage, and 24-hour security.

New building renovations will begin August 1, 2005 which will create changes over the next three years.

History:
Pickersgill's historic beginning dates back to 1802. A small group of caring ladies gathered in Baltimore City to form The Impartial Female Humane Society. Their purpose was to help poor widows and abandoned wives--a very forward-thinking concept for the time, especially for women. This early philanthropic organization initially found employment for these destitute women. But as they aged, they needed a "home". Mary Pickersgill, seamstress of the "Star-Spangled Banner" Flag and one of the early leaders of the organization, served as President of the Board of Lady Managers in 1851 when the Aged Women's Home first opened at West Lexington Street and Franklin Square. Designed by architect Thomas Dixon, the Gothic Tudor building became a City landmark. Fourteen years later a home for men was built adjacent to the Aged Women's Home. Thus began what we now call Pickersgill Retirement Community.

Over the years, the organization maintained its mission of benevolent care and stressed the importance of "...helping each person achieve, with dignity, the proper balance between independence and assistance". By the 1950s, the original Aged Women's and Aged Men's Homes faced considerable repairs and the City threatened to buy the buildings. The Board of Directors decided to construct a new home to accommodate both men and women on 16 acres in Towson. The site was a familiar one to the residents. It had served as a summer vacation retreat since 1943 when a bequest from Roberta & Augusta McLaughlin made the purchase of the property possible. All the residents were moved to the current location in 1959.

The new Home, designed by Bryden B. Hyde, was renamed Pickersgill in 1962. A wing was added to the building in the late 1970s to accommodate 28 more resident rooms, an activities center, and a beauty shop. After researching community needs, Pickersgill constructed 87 apartments for independent seniors in the early 1990s. At the same time, Pickersgill enhanced the skilled nursing and assisted living areas, library, worship space, and outdoor walkways.

As an independent, nondenominational, nonprofit organization, Pickersgill today is one of the most desirable retirement communities in Baltimore.

Contact people:

Lindsey Meyer, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email) Brant Hart, Executive Director, (phone), (email) Lacy Flynn, Assistant Director, (phone)

Address:

615 Chestnut Avenue Towson, MD 21204 (See a map)

Directions:

Take Baltimore Beltway (695) to Charles Street exit and head south. Proceed past 2-3 stoplights to Chestnut Avenue and turn left (you can only turn left) at the light at North Charles and Chestnut. Loyola Blakefield High School. . . (more)   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Timonium, MD,   Walk distance (in minutes): 90   Nearest Bus Stop: York & Joppa Roads MTA Bus Stop, 30 minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Does this agency accept court appointed volunteers?
	No