Terrace Gardens Milpitas Ca 95035

Out of all the great things going on in Milpitas that one could celebrate right now, the fact that Terrace Gardens has been in operation for exactly 30 years rises to the very top.

An affordable senior housing community situated on Beresford Court, Terrace Gardens has 148 one-bedroom units, spread across large, tranquil grounds. These grounds are beautifully maintained, and the facility itself radiates charm and class.

The place is home to 184 seniors. Residents there have access to daily dinners Monday through Friday (which are part of their rent), and few guestrooms are also available at a very low rate ($50 a night) for family members to visit. Terrace Gardens also has a full kitchen and staff, a recreation department, and a maintenance department.

Nasir Lalani, who has served on the Board of Directors since 2011, describes Terrace Gardens as "a place people love and decide to stay at for a very long time."

On Thursday, December 12, Terrace Gardens threw a 30-year anniversary bash, bringing in t raditional lion and dragon dancers from Sifu Meng International Kung-Fu Academy to perform for the residents. In addition, the Magnolia Jazz Band performed while residents and guests dined on an exquisite lunch including beef bourguignon, roasted butternut squash, and a dessert bar. And the Holly Jolly Carolers also performed in the dining room during lunch.

At the event, Maintenance Supervisor Stoney Moss received a plaque commemorating his 30 years of exceptional service to Terrace Gardens. And Councilmembers Carmen Montano and Bob Nuñez came out to take part in the special day. Many from Terrace Gardens' Board of Directors and Management team were also there to celebrate the momentous occasion.

Left to right: Mari Tustin, Nasir Lalani, and Marina Sanchez

Denise Fore, who used to be a Property Manager for the senior housing community, remembers the day when the place first opened. It was May 1, 1989. Fore came onboard initially as Assistant Property Manager, and then, a couple years later, became Property Manager. She now works in Berkeley, managing another property. But she just had to come by and be a part of celebrating such a monumental achievement.

"This was redevelopment land that the city paid for outright," said Fore. "There was no mortgage so we were able to offer affordable housing. At that time, depending on your income, in 1989, residents paid $250-$500 a month. It was the first senior housing in Milpitas."

Currently, the one-bedrooms go for $1,153 for 1 person, and $1,406 for 2 people; the costs differ due to the food program, and rates are subject to annual increases.

Stoney Moss with his plaque; Mari Tustin is next to him. Photo Credit: Nasir Lalani

Mari Tustin, Senior Vice President of the John Stewart Company, which manages the property, was instrumental in getting Terrace Gardens off the ground many years ago. She worked diligently with the City of Milpitas to procure the land and transform vision into reality.

"Somebody said that National Parks are America's best idea. Well, Terrace Gardens is the City of Milpitas' best idea," said Tustin. "You couldn't build this again. That we actually had this much open space to build, just 34 years ago…"

Property Manager Marina Sanchez has been with Terrace Gardens for almost 5 years, and really loves the work she does. "It really is the best working with the seniors. They're so sweet and kind," said Sanchez. "This place is a gem. There's nothing else like it in Milpitas."

Terrace Gardens

186 Beresford Ct.

Milpitas, CA 95035

408-946-9034

Photo credit for cover image: Nasir Lalani

Rhoda Shapiro

Rhoda Shapiro works as a journalist and media consultant in the Bay Area. She has written for both the Tri-City Voice and the Mercury News, and is the founder of Chi Media Company, which works with nonprofit organizations and educational entities to elevate their marketing and communication platforms. Rhoda is also the author of Fierce Woman: Wake up your Badass Self. Her YouTube channel, which features practices in yoga, meditation, and women's empowerment, has amassed thousands of subscribers. Rhoda is The Milpitas Beat's founder.