“We’ve evolved and changed. We strive to be an organization people want to be part of.”
Trends come and go, but certain things are built to last. Vinson Hall is one of those. In 1959, the Naval Officers’ Wives’ Club of Washington, D.C. had the vision of creating a community for their widowed members that was “secure, companionable and dignified.” Two years later, the Navy Marine Coast Guard Residence Foundation was formed to support the endeavor, and in 1969 Vinson Hall opened its doors.
Throughout its history, Vinson Hall has adapted and embraced change. The community, originally intended exclusively for widows of naval officers, gradually opened up and now has no military eligibility requirement. It has grown to include assisted living and skilled health care at Arleigh Burke Pavilion, assisted living memory care at The Sylvestery and independent living apartment homes in Willow Oak and Heritage Hall.
“We’ve evolved and changed,” says Stephanie Lawrence, Vinson Hall’s Senior Director of Marketing. “We strive to be an organization people want to be part of.”
Today, Vinson Hall is embarking on an expansion of their community while ensuring that the traditions that have shaped their residents’ lives are preserved. This undertaking, Project RISE—which stands for “Redevelop, Inspire, Strengthen, Evolve”—represents a bold reimagining of Vinson Hall: a thoughtfully planned expansion that will add 126 new independent living residences, enhance community spaces and create the vibrant gathering places that define exceptional retirement living.
Vinson Hall’s secret to standing the test of time? Celebrating the legacy that makes this historic treasure in McLean unique—and embracing change.