Happy 30th: The Gatesworth

When The Gatesworth at One McKnight Place first opened in 1998, the owners had an innovative concept of exceptional senior living in mind. They envisioned a place where each resident would feel like the center of the universe—active, happy and cared for in comfortable surroundings. Today, that vision is still going strong, says resident program director Kathy Davis. This month, the community is pulling out all the stops to celebrate three decades of caring for seniors.

“We’ve grown in many ways since 1988, so it was important to have extra-special events commemorating this milestone,” Davis says. On Oct. 3, the actual anniversary date, The Gatesworth put on a glittering evening of fun for residents and guests. “Our three restaurants offered special menus with signature entrees and desserts created by executive chef Brian Hardy and his team,” she notes. “Residents got dressed up, and their families came ready to celebrate. The dining rooms were packed!” After dinner, a stage show, Straight Up: A Shot of Sinatra, featured live music. Residents arrived on a red carpet and had pictures taken, and owners David Smith, Bob Leonard and Charlie Deutsch made a special champagne toast.

Later in the week, The Gatesworth threw an afternoon open house so families and community members could celebrate with residents and staff. “It was an enormous success,” Davis says. “We had wonderful food stations, an open bar and four bands with different music styles, including guitar, piano and vocals—all enjoyed by 500 guests. We have live music here often, but we really wanted to create a different vibe this time.” The celebratory spirit has continued through the month of October. The Muny’s archive director gave a luncheon talk about the theater’s history and current renovation project, and a group of residents went to the Nine Network studios to see a taping of Donnybrook, which The Gatesworth sponsors. Residents also have been treated to wine and cheese tastings by local makers, and a grill party themed ‘Beer, Brats and the Beatles’ featured a big-screen showing of a Paul McCartney concert. Later this month, residents will celebrate Halloween with a murder mystery dinner. “It’s been great to have new residents experience all of the activities we are enjoying in October,” Davis notes. “It seems like there has been something special happening every 15 minutes!”

The idea behind the month-long celebration is to show residents how important they are to The Gatesworth community. “Many of them have participated in every event,” Davis says. “They often tell us how much they love the activities here.” Resident Carol Max says she is taking part in as many anniversary gatherings as she can, and she also has enjoyed celebrating Martha Kessel, who recently retired as executive director. “We had a lunch and happy hour to say goodbye to her, and we all cried,” Max recalls. “Martha knew everybody personally. But that’s how it is at The Gatesworth—everyone calls you by name. We are well respected here.”

Davis adds, “When we first opened, there were other senior communities in the area, but there was nothing like the independent living of The Gatesworth. The property has expanded twice and only has gotten better over time. I’m proud to be part of it because everyone gets so much out of it.”

The Gatesworth at One McKnight Place is an exceptional senior community in Ladue. It is led by executive director Carrie Montrey and features excellent dining, a spa, fitness and wellness programs, cultural activities and more. For more information, call 314.993.0111 or visit thegatesworth.com. 

Cover design by Allie Bronsky
Cover photo courtesy of The Gatesworth

Pictured above: The Gatesworth residents Carol Max and Barbara Bahn at an anniversary event.