News Release (March 24, 1968)

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1 145 FOR USE: SUNDAY, MARCH 24, 1968 SARASOTA--Dedication ceremonies for the new lQ-story Jefferson Center retirement residential community in Sarasota will be held next Saturday at 4 p.m. A dedication banquet for residents and invited guests will be held that evening at 7 p.m. at the Sarasota Motor Hotel. Built as a pilot project for retirees of modest income, Jefferson Center was opened in early February for the first residents. Erected at a cost of $2.35 million on a four acre site at the corner of U.S. 41 and lOth Street, Jefferson Center is sponsored by two districts of the Unitarian Universalist denomination although the center itself is non-sectarian and open to people of all faiths. The building has 210 apartments with each unit having a panoramic view of the city. Saturday's ceremonies, to be held in front of the new build ing, will be followed by an open house of the facility itself, Donald L. Johns, president of Jefferson Center, Inc., and the prime mover in the establishment of the center here, will preside at the dedication which will feature a brief address by Dr. Dana McLean Greeley, president of the Unitarian Universalist Association. more

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Page 2 Ground was broken for the project in November, 1966. It was built under the provisions of the Community Facilities Administration of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Residents of the new center must be over 62 years of age and have an income of not more than $4100 exclusive of Social Security. Apartments, which are divided between efficiencies and one-bedroom units. rent for from $81 to $105 a month. Founders of the center anticipate a type of resident who is interested in the modest rent but also an active retiree who appreciates the location of the building close to so many of the community's activities. Jefferson Center has its own lounge and meeting room, library, first aid center, and a special recreation center is being planned for immediate construction on the grounds. All apartments in the building are air-conditioned and with an emergency call system to a central office. 30 -