Our History

1906

John D. Rockefeller donates $5,000 to a capital campaign started by the Women’s Social Bible class at the Euclid Avenue Baptist Church.

The money goes toward the purchase of a home at 3334 Prospect Ave. It became known as the Baptist Home of Northern Ohio. Its mission: “to accommodate the aged of whom half a score have found it as restful as the ‘shadow of a great rock in a weary land.’ ”

1919

Baptist Home of Northern Ohio outgrows Prospect Ave. home and moves to 8903 Cedar Ave. This home provides 27 women with a place to live.

Prospect Avenue Home

1939

The Baptist Home of Northern Ohio purchases the Bicknell Mansion on Cedar Hill, previously home to Warren Bicknell, president of Cleveland Construction.  The former master suite and the third-floor ballroom are converted into apartments.

Bicknell Mansion on Cedar Hill

1972

The entire community is renamed Judson Park in honor of Adoniram Judson, an American Baptist missionary working in Burma from 1812-1850.

1983

Judson assumes ownership of the Wade Park Manor, from the Christian Residences Foundation.

Wade Park Manor, built in 1923

1985

Judson Home Care is founded, helping the organization to begin realizing a continuum “without walls”.

1991

Judson opened the state-of-the-art Bruening Health Center, completing its continuum.

1994

Judson is named one of the best Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) in America by New Choices for Retirement Living.

2006

Judson launches the membership program, Judson at Home, allowing members access to a variety of Judson’s programs and services while living in their own homes.

2006

Judson expands further, opening South Franklin Circle, a 90-acre, active retirement community in the Chagrin Valley.

South Franklin Circle