A Legacy of Learning, A Community for Life
Terwilliger Plaza was never just about building a place to live—it was about creating a place to belong.
Founded by the Retired Teachers Association in 1962, Terwilliger Plaza began as the vision of a small group of educators who dreamed of sharing their post-working years together, sharing wisdom, laughter, and the rhythm of daily life.
What started as a plan to build homes for a few teachers has flourished into a vibrant, ever-curious community of retired professionals — physicians, clergy, nurses, librarians, artists, journalists, entrepreneurs, military veterans, and civic leaders. These are individuals who have shaped the world through their work and continue to shape each other through their passion and intellect, in the spirit of lifelong learning.
Terwilliger Plaza is more than a residence—it’s a testament to a life well-lived and still unfolding. A place where experience is honored, connections run deep, and every day holds the promise of something new.
“Since our founding in 1962, we have intentionally referred to our residents as Members as we share a collective responsibility to advance the vision and vitality of Terwilliger Plaza. From our representative self-governance board structure to a robust participatory Member communication structure, the entire community is engaged and represented.”
RYAN MILLER
CEO and President, Terwilliger Plaza
Our Mission
Terwilliger Plaza empowers Members to maintain active and engaged lives within a supportive residential community by providing a stimulating environment and embracing representative self-governance.
Celebrating Excellence
Certified quality of life for greater peace of mind
As the only SAGECare Platinum Credentialed CCRC and one of only two CCRCs with a CARF accreditation in Oregon, we are committed to protecting your investment, enhancing your quality of life and creating an atmosphere of respect for all Members.
Embracing Diversity
A community where everyone feels welcome
Terwilliger Plaza is a community that celebrates great diversity in our Membership, lifestyles and apartment homes. At Terwilliger Plaza, our philosophy is that all Members, employees, and representatives always have a responsibility to treat others with equality, kindness, dignity, and respect. Terwilliger Plaza stands for belonging and inclusion, and we will continue to make Terwilliger Plaza a welcoming home for all those who choose to live here and a welcoming place of employment for those who choose to work here.
Honoring Heritage
Connecting with the land, its legacy and those who came before us
We acknowledge the land on which we meet, live and work at Terwilliger Plaza. “The Portland metro areas rests on traditional village sites of the Multnomah, Wasco, Cowlitz, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Bands of Chinook, Tualatin, Kalapuya, Molalla and many other tribes who made their homes along the Columbia River creating communities and summer encampments to harvest and use the plentiful natural resources of the area”. (Portland Indian Leaders Roundtable, 2018). We offer gratitude for the land itself and thank those who have been stewards for generations.
