PVM will build the two new facilities at a cost of $1.5 million each. This month, the Presbyterian Village of Michigan Foundation is also launching its New Way to Age campaign to raise $1.5 million in capital funds, and $1 million for an endowment fund to sustain the Green Houses. Each Green House will offer 10 private rooms each with its own bathroom, a large common living room, fireplace and an open kitchen to encourage residents to participate and even make a snack for their visitors.

The Green House concept was created in 1991 to infuse vibrant human habitats with large numbers of companion animals, indoor plants, gardens and children. The first Green Houses were built in Tupelo, MS and six organizations in five states plan on building Green House projects over the next few years. According to the Green House project website, by the spring of 2005, Tabitha Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Lincoln, NE will construct its first and plans to operate 16 by 2020. The Florida Housing Corp. of Belgrade, FL plans to build eight Green Houses along with an 8,000-sf community center by October 2006. Penick Village of Southern Pines, NC will build its first this year and Cavalry Baptist of Columbus, GA will build its first of nine in 2005.

PVM currently has 14 senior living communities throughout Michigan that serve 2,000 residents. The two new Green Houses are scheduled to open in spring 2006."We strive to assist residents in maintaining the fullest possible engagement with life, and the Green Houses offer a new way to implement this belief--where aging is not synonymous with poor health but with a richer quality of life," says Roger Myers,president of PVM.