The Buckingham unveils its new dining venue, wine room
Within a matter of weeks, The Buckingham will unveil The Rosewood Grill, the newest casual dining venue at the senior living community.
But residents had a sneak peek during a preopening reception honoring resident Dr. Jan van Sant, for whom a private dining and wine room in the newspace are named.
Dr. van Sant, a wine connoisseur, is a former president of The Buckingham Resident Council, as well as the first resident to hold a full voting membership on the board of directors of Senior Quality Lifestyles Corp, (SQLC). Stocked with bottles of fine wines, the space offers a private dining experience.
The Rosewood Grill is part of the Tower at The Buckingham expansion project. The Tower is scheduled for move-ins by mid-November, shortly before the Thanksgiving holiday.
“Dr. van Sant is a fitting namesake for The Rosewood Grill’s private dining and wine room,” said Joe Anderson, president and CEO of SQLC. “As a beloved resident and board member, he has selflessly served The Buckingham and its sister communities, and he embodies the spirit of welcoming we feel in each of our communities. The Rosewood Grill and its private dining and wine rooms will be a special place where residents and their loved ones can spend time together for years to come. We couldn’t think of a more appropriate space to carry Dr. van Sant’s name and commemorate his legacy of service to The Buckingham and our organization.”
“I was incredibly surprised and humbled by this honor,” said Dr. van Sant. “In regards to the event itself, it was about the last thing I expected to occur. I’ve been privileged to serve not only the residents of The Buckingham, but the entire SQLC organization, while sitting on the board. It’s truly something special in my life.
“Our goal is to ensure that residents living in our communities have everything they need to live life to the fullest, and I’m honored to have played a role in that mission.”
Dr. van Sant is a 34-year oil industry veteran with particular experience in the areas of exploration and production research and technology. After retiring, Dr. Van Sant was the executive director of the American Geological Institute Foundation.
“There is no one more deserving of this honor than Dr. van Sant,” said Darrell Sheaffer, executive director of The Buckingham. “His contributions have helped tremendously in our community, and it is a privilege to thank him in such a public way.
“We look forward to meeting the needs of more seniors in Houston, and the dedication of residents like Dr. van Sant helps us positively impact the lives of seniors each and every day.”