Introducing Assisted Living at Holly House: Take the Virtual Tour

We are pleased to invite you on a virtual tour of the assisted living spaces at Progressive Housing Society’s newly-opened Holly House. Spanning two mirror-image homes built side by side, Holly House brings together assisted living for 10 clients and independent living for four.

On the virtual tour, you will see the bright, open communal spaces enjoyed by our clients, as well as a private, healing backyard where residents can relax, connect and enjoy hobbies like gardening. Our assisted living program is fully accessible, with wheelchair-height kitchen counters, barrier-free washrooms and elevator access to upstairs bedrooms.

Throughout the development process, it was important to us that in addition to offering vital programming, Holly House also had to feel like a home because for our residents, that is what it is. The buildings were designed to optimize natural light, balance common and private areas, and flow in a way that makes sense as residents go about their days. Guided by artist and interior designer Carley Rangen, the decor is light and calming, reflecting the natural beauty of the west coast. Holly House is decorated with many original art pieces, including a series by Indigenous artist Anthony Joseph and nature-inspired works by Carley Rangen.

Holly House is built on property in Burnaby’s Edmonds neighbourhood that Progressive Housing Society has owned for more than 45 years. Originally, there was a single-family home on the lot, which offered capacity for us to provide housing and mental health supports for five clients at a time.

With the demand for housing increasing, we decided to redevelop the land and create purpose-built spaces that optimize our ability to help more clients and in a way that best supports their varying needs. Over the course of the five-year process, we worked closely with Ma’kola Development Services, NSDA Architects and Western Canadian Properties Group to bring our vision to life.  With the opening of Holly House, PHS has nearly tripled the number of people we can serve on the property.

The assisted living program operates on the main and upper levels of the homes. Every resident has their own private bedroom. As well, we provide 24/7 staffing from a PHS office in each home.

Please see our companion post for a virtual tour of one of the two-bedroom independent living suites located on the lower floor of Holly House.

This program is delivered with the support of Fraser Health Authority. BC Housing and the federal Reaching Home initiative contributed to redevelopment costs.