Eagle's Trace Celebrates 20 Years of Growth and Community Building in West Houston

Eagle's Trace, an Erickson Senior Living community in West Houston, Texas, is commemorating its 20th anniversary with year-long celebrations that underscore two decades of substantial growth and community development. The anniversary events began earlier this year with a communitywide birthday party featuring cake and champagne, followed by seasonal activities including a square dance club demonstration, ice cream and barbershop quartet event, happy hour with signature cocktails, and Eagle's Trace-themed Jeopardy games.

Executive Director Steve Aigner emphasized that the anniversary celebrations provide an opportunity to reflect on the community's growth and success. The 72-acre campus opened in October 2005 with its first residents, known as pioneers, and has since expanded to serve more than 1,200 residents with over 600 staff members. John Bowser, one of the original pioneers who moved into the community's first residence building with his late wife Nancy, recalls the early days when only temporary buildings existed on site.

The community's physical expansion has been remarkable over two decades. Resident Life Director Kristen Kennedy, who has worked at Eagle's Trace for ten years, has witnessed the expansion from one neighborhood to three and from four residence buildings to nine. Aigner, with 11 years at the community, has seen the population more than double and numerous new amenities come to fruition, including renovations to the clubhouse, updated common areas with stylish furniture, new restaurants, al fresco dining options, and recreational facilities like a dog park, pickleball court, and bocce court.

The community's history is preserved through a detailed scrapbook project initiated by John Bowser and 17 other residents in preparation for the 10th anniversary. The scrapbook, now several inches thick and housed in the community library, contains resident profiles, construction timelines, and lists of original residents. It serves as a tangible record of the community's evolution and the relationships formed among residents, accessible at https://www.ericksonseniorliving.com.

Bowser identifies two significant aspects of his 20 years at Eagle's Trace: the physical growth of the community to 11 buildings total, including the clubhouse and continuing care neighborhood, and the social connections among residents. Many residents report having more close friends at Eagle's Trace than at any other time in their lives, reflecting the strong sense of community that has developed. Aigner attributes this to the wonderful culture that has blossomed as new residents and staff members have joined, creating a real sense of belonging that makes Eagle's Trace a home for its residents.

The economic impact of Eagle's Trace extends beyond its immediate community, contributing to local employment with over 600 staff members and supporting various local businesses through its operations and resident spending. The community's continued growth and success demonstrate the viability and importance of senior living developments in Texas, serving as a model for other communities seeking to create meaningful environments for older adults while generating positive economic benefits for the region.