through an FHA guaranteed mortgage, with an assist from Washington State's two great Norweigian-American Senators, Warren Magnusen and Henry "Scoop" Jackson. This mortgage was paid in full in 1979, and today Norse Home remains completely free of long-term debt.

The time from ground breaking to readiness for occupancy was 18 months, and the first residents moved in during June of 1957. Of steel-reinforced concrete construction, the building has stood the test of time. An in-depth survey of the building as part of a major strategic planning exercise was conducted by an independent firm in 1997. Their report set forth recommendations for renovation and upgrading, but clearly pronounced the building as essentially sound and eminently serviceable as a setting or quality retirement living for another 40 years. Their recommended improvements were carried out over the next four years, and included a total re-plumb of the building and the installation of fire sprinklers throughout, the conversion of office space into an inviting dining and activity area for residents in the assisted living program, the upgrading of the front lawn to an appealing Garden Court, upgrading of the Social Hall, and remodeling of public areas, crowned by a dramatic new look for our main dining room and entry way. The dream of the Founders continues to be realized as vividly as ever.