#USA #Portland #RoseVilla #ROSE Port

RoseVilla Senior Living Unveils ROSE Port

On November 13, 2025, RoseVilla Senior Living in Portland, Oregon, made a groundbreaking announcement: the establishment of the first solar-powered resilient hub in the Pacific Northwest’s senior living sector. Named the ROSE Port, which stands for Resilient Operations and Sustainable Energy, this innovative facility represents the culmination of RoseVilla's ambitious 25-year Resiliency Action Plan.

The ROSE Port is not just another structure; it is designed to withstand the challenges posed by natural disasters, ensuring safety and sustainability for its residents. Glen Lewis, CEO of RoseVilla Senior Living, expressed the importance of this investment, stating, “The ROSE Port represents what it means to care deeply for our people and our planet.” This initiative not only showcases RoseVilla’s commitment to climate resilience but also prioritizes the health and safety of the entire community.

Key Features of the ROSE Port

The ROSE Port has been meticulously crafted with a focus on independence and sustainability. Here are some of its remarkable features:

1. Earthquake-Resilient Design

Constructed to meet Risk Category 4 seismic standards, the ROSE Port ensures that it remains safe and usable after significant seismic activities. To enhance safety, the water tank is installed separately from the main structure, minimizing risks associated with potential damage during earthquakes.

2. Energy Independence

The facility boasts a 17.82-kilowatt solar array on its rooftop, complemented by a 30-kilowatt-hour battery and inverter system. This infrastructure generates and stores clean energy, enabling the ROSE Port to operate independently during power outages. In emergencies, the battery capacity can support approximately 450 residents and staff, powering essential devices like CPAP machines and walkie-talkies.

3. Water Independence

Moreover, ROSE Port features a 3,100-gallon cistern that captures, filters, and purifies rainwater through UV technology. This system can provide approximately one gallon of drinking water per person for up to eight days in the event of a crisis, ensuring that basic needs are met even during emergencies.

4. Sustainable Materials

In line with eco-friendly practices, the construction utilizes mass timber, a sustainable alternative to heavier materials such as steel or concrete, significantly reducing the carbon footprint. The posts and beams are made from FSC-certified glued laminated lumber, and the concrete foundation is repurposed from the previous structure, promoting the philosophy of reuse in building practices.

5. Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

With four Level 1 chargers installed, the ROSE Port encourages the use of zero-emission transportation, further aligning with sustainability goals.

A Community-Focused Initiative

The establishment of the ROSE Port is a significant achievement in RoseVilla's ongoing commitment to sustainability. This structure is just the beginning, as more solar-powered hubs are in the pipeline across the 22-acre property. RoseVilla also features two net-zero neighborhoods—The Oaks and Trillium Townhomes—highlighting their leadership in sustainable living.

The residents themselves play a pivotal role in advancing the community’s climate resilience initiatives. Through the Green Team, they lead sustainability efforts and collaborate with other senior living communities throughout Portland. Additionally, the Ready Force Team is equipped to assist neighbors in times of emergency, showcasing a strong community spirit.

Lewis emphasizes the residents' commitment to sustainability, saying, “Their passion and leadership are helping us build a climate-ready community.” As more seniors choose to live at RoseVilla, they do so with the assurance that their lifestyle aligns with their values - to live safely, purposefully, and in harmony with the environment.

About RoseVilla Senior Living

RoseVilla Senior Living is a nonprofit Life Plan Community located along the scenic Willamette River, dedicated to providing high-quality care and sustainable living options for seniors. To learn more about their innovative initiatives, visit their website at www.rosevilla.org.