The Balser Tower: Jewish Atlanta’s Best Kept Secret

When it comes to living the dream, Janet Snider has it figured out. The 88-year old resident of the Meyer and Roslyn Balser Tower enjoys spending time with her longtime friends and neighbors at the best kept secret in Atlanta.

Known as The Tower to many native Atlantans, The Balser Tower (formerly the Jewish Tower) offers adults age 62+ the beautiful surroundings of Buckhead with the amenities of a full-service active adult community, at a fraction of the cost of other senior communities.

Janet Snider has lived at The Balser Tower for the past 21 years. “I like the activities, and I like the residents. It’s my home. There is a garden in front that is so lovely. I just took a pleasant walk around, and now I’m about to partake in the greatest benefit of living here—the restaurant. Whether you keep kosher or not, the food is wonderful.”

The renaming of the 46-year-old Tower followed a $24 million renovation of all 200 individual apartments as well as structural items such as roof, HVAC and plumbing. Phase Two, which begins this fall, will include updates to all common area spaces and elevator lobbies.

The renovated apartments are a show-stopper. Floor to ceiling windows, new flooring, new bathrooms with walk-in showers, and completely redesigned, fully equipped kitchens offer a bright and modern space for older adults to age in place without the financial burden.

Dining with her friends at the on-campus café, Janet had something to say about her new apartment. “I love it! There is so much more storage. My daughter is moving to an apartment near Chastain Park, and my new apartment has more kitchen cabinet space than hers!”

From the amenities and outings to the assistance from staff with safety devices and support services, there is security in knowing that caring individuals are looking out for you while also encouraging independence.

Open to people of all faiths, races and ethnicities, Balser Tower residents have the benefit of being able to qualify for subsidized rent through HUD. Based on income, residents pay a small percentage of market rent, some just $300/month.

The Balser Tower also includes a full-time activity director; group transportation; a primary care clinic and short term rehab on site; a beauty shop, chapel and gift shop; the security of being on the larger Jewish HomeLife campus; and a kosher restaurant offering chef-prepared lunch and dinner daily.

Over the summer, Jewish HomeLife worked through the more than 5 year waiting list, filling the 50 apartments that were kept vacant during the renovation.

“The waiting list is shorter than it has ever been, and our Google reviews and customer satisfaction scores are higher than ever before,” said Executive Director Felicia Marable. “I encourage all older adults in our community to add themselves to our waiting list.”

For more information, visit www.jewishhomelife.org/balser-tower or contact us at 404.351.3536.