For a quarter century, the Buffalo Hill Terrace assisted living community has looked over Kalispell from its location perched on the hill.

On Sept. 15, nearly 400 residents, friends, family and community members flooded the community with well-wishing, celebrating 25 years of service to the Flathead’s seniors.

Buffalo Hill Terrace opened its doors in November 1988 as the first retirement community in Flathead County, a ministry of Immanuel Lutheran Communities. The building was dedicated in May 1989. 

“It was adventurous at the time,” said Tracy Bridges, director of marketing and community relations for Immanuel Lutheran Communities.

“The board was split on whether to go forward or not. The then-president cast the deciding vote to go forward with it. We’re certainly glad he did.”

The packed celebration Sept. 15 had food, drinks and dancing. The Company Brass provided swing music for the party. 

“It was a great event,” Bridges said. “It was the perfect day to celebrate, and it was great to see friends and family of Buffalo Terrace come out.”

Immanuel Lutheran Communities is considerably older, having been in operation since 1957.

Bridges said many of the original board members from 25 years ago attended the celebration, and they got to see renovations that Buffalo Terrace completed a year ago.

Nearly half the building was updated to more of a “lodge” feel, Bridges said. The greenhouse was moved to the third floor, and the Buffalo Room (a meeting/technology/all-purpose room) was given new computers and other updates. Seniors are offered classes on sites such as Facebook and Pinterest in this room.

Work has started on more changes to the facility, including expanding the library. 

Bridges said when all updates are complete, the facility will be a sight to behold. 

Reporter Ryan Murray may be reached at 758-4436 or by email at rmurray@dailyinterlake.com.