A Legacy of Learning,
A Community for Life
Terwilliger Plaza was never just about building a place to live—it was about creating a community to belong and thrive.
Founded by members of the Retired Teachers Association in 1962, Terwilliger Plaza began as the vision of a small group of educators, led by Lesta Hoel, who dreamed of sharing their post-working years together, sharing wisdom, laughter, and the rhythm of daily life.
What started as a plan to build homes for a few retired teachers has flourished into an interconnected campus, with a vibrant, and ever-curious community of professionals, physicians, clergy, nurses, lawyers, librarians, educators, artists, journalists, entrepreneurs, military veterans, and civic leaders. These are individuals who have shaped the world through their work and continue to inspire each other through their passion and intellect, in the spirit of lifelong learning and exploration.
Terwilliger Plaza is more than a residence—it’s a testament to a life well-lived and still unfolding. A place where experience is honored, connections run deep, and every day holds the promise of a new adventure, an intriguing conversation and the embrace of friendship and community.
“Since our founding in 1962, we have intentionally referred to our residents as Members as we share a collective responsibility to advance the mission and vitality of Terwilliger Plaza. From our representative self-governance board structure to a robust participatory Member communication structure, the entire community is engaged and represented.”
RYAN MILLER
President and CEO, Terwilliger Plaza
Our Mission
Terwilliger Plaza empowers Members to maintain active and engaged lives within a supportive residential community by providing a stimulating environment and embracing representative self-governance.
Empowering Choice
Representative self-governance means having a voice
As the only representative self-governed CCRC in the country, we offer a unique model to ensure that we are hearing from our Members and aligning with the community.
Discover how collective leadership and a culture active participation shape our community for the better.
Explore the impact of self-governance→
Celebrating Excellence
Certified quality of life for greater peace of mind
As the only SAGECare Platinum Credentialed CCRC and one of only two CCRCs with a CARF accreditation in Oregon, we are committed to protecting your investment, enhancing your quality of life and creating an atmosphere of respect for all Members.
Cultivating Belonging
A community where everyone feels welcome
Terwilliger Plaza is a community that welcomes and celebrates wide diversity of thought, lifestyle, and experience in our Membership and staff. At Terwilliger Plaza, our philosophy is that all Members, employees, and representatives always have a responsibility to treat others with equality, kindness, dignity, and respect. Terwilliger Plaza stands for belonging and inclusion, and we will continue to make Terwilliger Plaza a welcoming home for all those who choose to live here and a welcoming place of employment for those who choose to work here.
Honoring Heritage
Connecting with the land, its legacy and those who came before us
We acknowledge the land on which we meet, live and work at Terwilliger Plaza. “The Portland metro areas rests on traditional village sites of the Multnomah, Wasco, Cowlitz, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Bands of Chinook, Tualatin, Kalapuya, Molalla and many other tribes who made their homes along the Columbia River creating communities and summer encampments to harvest and use the plentiful natural resources of the area”. (Portland Indian Leaders Roundtable, 2018). We offer gratitude for the land itself and thank those who have been stewards for generations.
