New Amenities Meet Growing Demand for Vibrant Lifestyle

Charlestown, an Erickson Senior Living community in Catonsville, Md., is entering the New Year with a new look!

Expanded restaurants, refreshed gathering spaces, and new amenities can be found throughout campus, all designed to support residents' vibrant, carefree lifestyles.

"Our goal is to continue to foster a community where residents can make the most of their retirement--now and in the future," says Executive Director Don Grove.

So, what's new?

Renovations began in 2025 with a major transformation of the former Refectory restaurant, located in the community's historic neighborhood.

"What was once our Refectory restaurant is now a beautiful multipurpose room that can be utilized for indoor pickleball, dance lessons, meetings, or private events," says Grove.

Jerry Donaldson, who moved to Charlestown from Severn, Md., is a big fan of the new multipurpose space. He leads dance lessons there with his partner, Diane Powers.

"Ballroom dancing is a very popular program here," says Jerry, who taught American-style ballroom dancing for 25 years. "Before the new space, we were teaching in Charlestown's fitness center studio. At most, we could hold 16 dancers doing the waltz or foxtrot. The new space is large enough to accommodate 25 to 30 attendees and has the proper flooring."

The historic neighborhood is also home to a new music room, model train room, art room, reading room, and Cafe on Main, a fast-casual restaurant open for breakfast and lunch. New space for 'Bill's Place,' a resident-run happy hour, was added as well.

In late 2025, renovations began on the Terrace Cafe and are scheduled to be completed this year. This casual eatery is being transformed into a full-service restaurant seating up to 100 people, featuring a bar and outdoor fire pit.

The great outdoors

In addition to these indoor updates, Charlestown is investing in new outdoor amenities.

The expansive, park-like area located near the treasured Our Lady of the Angels Chapel will be refreshed with raised garden beds, two outdoor pickleball courts, a pair of new bocce courts, a designated cornhole area, and a shaded lounge area suitable for small performances.

As with previous renovation projects, minimizing disruption to residents' busy calendars remains a top priority.

Grove believes the improvements will be well worth the wait.

"People like to see that we are continuing to develop and add new amenities," says Grove. "We currently have a good-sized group that plays indoor pickleball. We hope that the new outdoor courts will attract even more people who would like to learn how to play."

Invaluable input

During the project's planning process, residents were invited to share their thoughts. Many participated in focus groups, surveys, and meetings.

"When we surveyed residents about the improvements they wanted to see as part of the historic neighborhood renovation project, one thing was clear--they wanted a central hub for activity," says Grove. "With over 300 resident-run groups here, the request for more gathering space made perfect sense."

He adds, "It's important to us to keep the campus fresh and align with residents' interests and activities."

Charlestown's leaders also maintained constant communication with the community's Residents' Council, which provides input based on opinions from friends and neighbors.

"Charlestown's administration takes the surveys very seriously and develops an action plan based on the information obtained from them," says Jerry, who serves as treasurer of the council. "They ensure residents' desires and inputs are heard."

Investing in the future

In addition to these major renovations, Charlestown is investing in routine updates to ensure infrastructure remains strong and modern. This year, the Charlestown Square Clubhouse will receive fresh paint and new carpeting.

As Charlestown enters this new chapter, Grove emphasizes the ongoing commitment to evolving with residents' needs in mind.

"This is an exciting time to become a resident of Charlestown," he says. "Our recent efforts are just one of many ways we strive to meet the needs of existing and future residents."

"It is a joy to live at Charlestown," says Jerry. "There is a wide variety of things to do. If there is something you are interested in that is not already represented, then you can organize a new group."

To learn more about independent senior living at Charlestown, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and much more.

By Danielle Rexrode