Aldersly Celebrates Grand Opening of Marselisborg Expansion, Marking Next Chapter in a Century-Long Legacy of Community
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. --(BUSINESS WIRE)
Aldersly, a retirement community in San Rafael CA with a more than 104-year history, celebrated a major milestone on Thursday, November 6, with the official grand opening of Marselisborg, a 35-residence expansion that reflects the community’s commitment to comfort, connection, and thoughtful growth.
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Peter Schakow, president of the Board of Directors; San Rafael Mayor Kate Colin; President and CEO of the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce, Karen Strolia
More than 100 residents, family members, local officials, including San Rafael Mayor Kate Colin, and community partners joined Aldersly team members for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, held on the San Rafael campus. The event featured remarks from Aldersly’s Chairman of the Board, Peter Schakow, San Rafael Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Karen Strolia, and several residents who helped welcome guests into the new space.
“Marselisborg represents the next chapter in Aldersly’s long and proud history of providing a warm, connected community for older adults,” said Mike Sharkey, executive director of the Aldersly. “We’re honored to celebrate this milestone alongside our residents and the partners who helped bring this vision to life.”
Named for a castle in Denmark, Marselisborg reflects Aldersly’s roots as a community founded more than a century ago by Danish immigrants. The expansion includes modern, light-filled residences designed with a European aesthetic and surrounded by the community’s signature gardens. The addition also features new gathering spaces, including a cafe, a relaxed dining venue and social hub for residents and guests, as well as a rooftop recreation space.
“The change of energy is wonderful. The new residents are lovely and fit right in. The influx of new people and new ideas is enlivening,” said Aldersly resident, Pat Russell.
Karen Strolia, CEO of the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce, praised the project as an example of thoughtful community development: “Aldersly has long been a part of San Rafael’s story. The Marselisborg expansion enhances both the neighborhood and the lives of those who live here, combining history, design, and purpose in a way that strengthens our community.”
Residents began moving into the new residences in September, and the space is now fully open. With the addition of Marselisborg, Aldersly continues to expand its reputation as one of Marin County’s most established and trusted Life Plan Communities.
About Aldersly
Aldersly was founded as a nonprofit retirement community for Danish immigrants in Northern California over 100 years ago. Today, the community continues to embody the traditional Danish notion of hygge (hew’-gah), a celebration of coziness, comfort, and deep connection to friends and family. Learn more at aldersly.org.
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