From the start of that dream in 1977 to the opening of the main building in 1989, there were many obstacles to be faced.  Howard Sahnow was the builder and original owner and operator.  Dwayne Brittell was the architect of the unique design of the project that became The Elms.  Many people were surprised to see a four-story building going up on Elm Street in small Forest Grove. The winter that first year of construction was bitter cold and windy and proved to be just another obstacle to overcome. There were several old homes on the original property that needed to be moved or torn down. Mr. John Carr lived across the street at that time and kept a pictorial and written history of each step of the project. He has since moved but the book he kept in great detail is very interesting and resides at The Elms Library.

Kathy, Howard’s wife, had a large hand in the comfy home feeling from the beginning for The Elms. Kathy’s design skills are evident in all the community areas of The Elms. In early 1994, construction began on 21 more units and was finished the following year. In addition to the apartments, additional improvements were made including:  more office space, a new entrance with an automatic door, a library, three sundecks, an exercise room, a craft room, and a game room. A second elevator was added by the main entrance as well as a loading dock to help residents with moving large items into The Elms.   The employees are the finest in the state and their dedication, compassion and hard work makes The Elms a place residents love to call home.

In February 2017, due to health issues and the desire to enjoy retirement, Howard and Kathy Sahnow stepped back from an active role at The Elms and turned over full-time management of The Elms Retirement Center Community to J&J Ventures, which is managed by their sons, Jon Sahnow and Jeramy Sahnow.  Jon and Jeramy hit the ground running and have completed numerous improvements and upgrades, added more services and activities, purchased a brand new bus for resident trips and installed a new Executive Director who is doing a fantastic job overseeing the staff and property to help make The Elms the best senior living community in Oregon.  We welcome you to stop by The Elms and see our community for yourself!