Discover Creative Living
Every day at MonteCedro provides fresh opportunities for growth, connection, and discovery, surrounded by the beauty of the San Gabriel Mountains and the elegant simplicity of our distinctive architecture.
This captivating canvas serves as a backdrop to Creative Living, a philosophy that drives the distinct culture of our community for residents and staff. Through Creative Living, our residents are able to explore educational, cultural and social opportunities that are as inspiring as our views.
Our Creative Living Academy is the most expansive life-long learning program in Greater Pasadena and redefines excellence in active senior living communities.
The Creative Living Academy Vision
The MonteCedro Creative Living Academy delivers diverse and stimulating opportunities for life-long learning, growth, and fulfillment in an accessible atmosphere that is welcoming, inclusive, and respectful to all. We harness the wealth of knowledge, talent, and experience of our residents, and collaborate with our partners and resources to provide a breadth of vibrant and engaging educational, cultural, and recreational offerings.
Our resort-like campus provides superb settings, services and amenities for growth, self-expression and enjoyment including:
- Marcell’s gourmet restaurant
- Off Lake Bistro
- Station 8 bar
- Mariposa Spa & Salon
- Mariposa Fitness Center
- Clark’s Art Studio
- Eaton Movie Theater
- Performing arts/multi-purpose auditorium
- Outdoor pool, spa and barbeque area
Residents at MonteCedro have a wealth of programming and activities to enjoy, stay connected, explore their passions, and uncover new interests among like-minded neighbors. They can choose from classes in the arts, to wellness programs, discussion groups, trips and tours. There’s always something new to discover at MonteCedro.
Read testimonials from those living life to the fullest at MonteCedro.
What is The Creative Living Academy?
The Creative Living Academy is a distinctive philosophy at ECS, dedicated to embracing and supporting life-long learning. Driven by residents and supported by staff, the academy is enriched and enhanced by an ever-growing list of leading nonprofit community organizations, such as:
- Pasadena Conservatory of Music,
- Pasadena Symphony & Pops,
- Pasadena Playhouse,
- Altadena Historical Society,
- Altadena Public Library,
- Eliot Arts Magnet Middle School,
- The Huntington, comprising the Huntington Library, Art Collection and Botanical Gardens,
- Armory Center for the Arts,
- and more.
The Academy draws on the insights and direction of a volunteer group of MonteCedro resident advisors who assist in its development and oversight. The Academy also celebrates the talents and life experiences of those who live in our community, and our residents are encouraged to be facilitators and teachers.
The result is a diverse range of programming, comprising an ever-changing variety of lectures, classes, workshops, tours, trips, discussion groups and other special events that support life-long learning and community connection.
The Creative Living Academy History
Our distinctive Creative Living Academy was inspired by our own commitment to ongoing learning, when we were attending a national conference almost a decade ago. The team at ECS returned with a new vision to launch a life-long learning model driven by residents, supported by staff, and enhanced by the greater community. A volunteer group of advisors was formed to contribute to the development and oversight of the Creative Living Academy’s learning model.
By asking future residents about their personal interests, our team was able to create a balance of programming including arts and culture, health and wellness, history, current events, science, and other creative pursuits. The advisors developed the Academy catalog filled with lectures, classes, presentations, workshops, trips, tours, interest discussion groups, wellness offerings, and other special events. Speakers, presenters, and instructors were identified and scheduled, and the first Creative Living Academy programming began.
Since then, the Creative Living Academy has thrived. There are activities and events that provide life enrichment for all our residents, while creating stronger connections with others in the community.
Our Partners
At MonteCedro, our philosophy of Creative Living has been built on a partnership and a team approach. We are grateful for the support and collaboration we receive from a range of organizations in the community who are also committed to life-long learning. By working with local nonprofit partners, we are able to continue expanding the breadth and diversity of our programming.
