LE GRAHAM: TOWN OF MOUNT ROYAL’S UNIQUE BOUTIQUE RESIDENCE
Harvey Berger is a busy man, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. On a regular week, he attends a writers’ group meeting where he discusses an essay or poem he wrote, works out at a fitness centre, participates in a music therapy program, takes an art class, dines out with friends, and even takes his “lady love” out for a night on the town, at the theatre, or the opera.
“As long as my mind and body are active, I’m happy,” said Berger, who taught English and Holocaust literature for 26 years at Vanier College. “I’m not at a loss for words or at a loss for ways to stay active here.” “Here” is Le Graham. At 84 years old, what helps Berger maintain a healthy lifestyle are the services offered by Le Graham, the retirement residence where he lives.
The Town of Mount Royal-based retirement home is managed by Prével Retraite. The 38-year-old business is a real estate developer and manager that has built over 10,000 homes in Montreal. In addition to Le Graham, Prével Retraite manages two other residences: Le Cherbourg 1 and 2 in Brossard.
“The units were designed in the same way that we design an upscale condominium project,” said Laurence Vincent, Groupe Prével’s vice president of sales and marketing. “A lot of emphasis was placed on the design of the common areas as well; they’re chic and have a hotel vibe that’s both warm and refined.”
Vincent compares Le Graham to a boutique hotel, with its not-toosmall, not-too-big proportions — it has 144 units on five floors to be exact, a few of which are still available — and the fact that it offers a lot of high-end amenities such a cozy lounge with a fireplace and library, a majestic hall, a chic restaurant, an indoor swimming pool, a cinema, a beauty salon, and a fitness center.
Le Graham’s luxurious design also features condo-style soundproofing, wood floors, granite countertops, large windows and balconies that look out onto what is often referred to as the garden city; TMR.
Thanks to its convenient location in the heart of TMR on Graham Boulevard, it’s easy for residents to take advantage of everything the neighbourhood has to offer, including quaint shops, cafés, a public library, and Connaught Park, with its lush greenery, tennis courts, croquet and lawn bowling, not to mention the Mount Royal Country Club, which has been around for over 100 years.
“In congenial weather, I’ll walk outdoors along Graham Boulevard for around 40 minutes,” said Berger, who strolls indoors when the weather is less agreeable. “On Mondays there’s an art class that I go to, though I’m not very good at it. Wednesdays there’s my writers’ group and Fridays I’m in the gymnasium, where they have a fitness centre and a treadmill.”
“A lot of activities are available to residents, but they have the choice of living at their own pace,” Vincent said. “They can choose to be on their own or spend time with a family member, but they can also participate in a physical activity or take part in more cultural, artistic pursuits like a painting workshop or music class, various conferences, and cocktails.”
The upscale menu lives up to the surroundings at Le Graham, where expert culinary staff work with a nutritionist to plan restaurant-worthy meals that are served both in the elegantly appointed dining room.
“I eat breakfast at home, but the other two meals are served in the dining room, so I don’t have to worry about them,” said Berger, who chooses between a variety of healthy meals, a salad and vegetable bar as well as desserts on a daily basis. “My lady, who’s a nurse, said I should try to have fish twice a week, so that’s what I do.”
A nurse and/or nurse’s assistant is also available 24 hours a day at Le Graham.
“If there’s ever a problem, I just call and know someone will be here,” Berger pointed out, “but fortunately for me, I have no major problems. I try to lead an active life, physically and mentally. I look after myself, but I find that I’m well looked after as well.”
For more information, visit legraham.ca.