Meadow Ridge Marks 25 Years with Continued Campus Investment
October 21, 2026
REDDING, Conn. — Meadow Ridge, a continuing care retirement community serving more than 400 residents, is marking its 25th anniversary as it continues a series of campus renovations and additions.
The community celebrated the milestone Oct. 15 with an event for residents and associates featuring dinner and performances by musicians from the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra.
Meadow Ridge welcomed its first residents in 2001. Benchmark Senior Living became part owner and full-time operator of the community in 2021. The campus offers independent living, assisted living and memory care, as well as healthcare and rehabilitation services through its Ridge Crest health center.
“Retirement, particularly at a place like Meadow Ridge, is about embracing the next chapter of life to its fullest and we are honored to have supported that for our residents for 25 years,” Campus Executive Director Chris Barstein said.
The community has made several additions and upgrades over the past five years. A new assisted living neighborhood opened in early 2022 with 20 apartments, dining and recreation spaces, a library, living areas and secure outdoor patios.
In 2023, Meadow Ridge opened a dedicated memory care neighborhood for residents living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The neighborhood incorporates therapeutic lighting, sensory dining options and individualized programming.
Ridge Crest also underwent renovations that included a larger therapy gym, dedicated occupational therapy treatment areas, expanded outpatient therapy services and a physician suite for on-site primary and specialty care. The community also added virtual reality rehabilitation technology designed to support mobility, balance, cognitive function and recovery.
In 2024, Meadow Ridge completed a 763-kilowatt solar energy system with more than 1,300 panels. According to the community, the three solar arrays generate about 20% of its annual electricity needs. The project was championed by a resident-led Solar Committee. Electric vehicle charging stations also were added for residents, associates and visitors.
Additional amenities introduced in 2025 included a golf simulator, full-service spa and upgraded pickleball courts.
Current renovations include a new pub, updates to the main dining room and improvements to Ridge Crest resident rooms and common areas. The work is expected to be completed in November.
The Meadow Ridge property predates the senior living community by more than two centuries. Purchased in 1769, the site has served as a working farm, agricultural college and an airstrip used by an aerial photographer. Developer David Reis acquired the property in 1995 and began development of Meadow Ridge before its 2001 opening.
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