The Sunny Vista Story

Sunny Vista has been serving the community of Colorado Springs since 1911.

Unlike many nursing facilities in Colorado Springs Sunny Vista is an independent facility, governed by a volunteer board of directors and not affiliated with any corporation, hospital, or religious order.

Sunnyrest circa 1911
 
 
 We are open to families twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. You are encouraged to visit and take a tour any time. Please call (719)331-2773 to schedule a personal tour or just stop by, as our staff would be happy to show you around.
 
Sunnyrest Sanatorium, as it was formerly known, was conceived in 1909 from a need to provide a comfortable place for those who were suffering from tuberculosis and had limited funds with which to pay for care. It was established that the fee for care would not exceed $8 per week. A fundraising campaign ensued to raise $25,000 to build and operate the sanatorium, which was opened in April of 1911.

Philanthropy was an early and essential aspect of Sunny Vista heritage, with support such as that from Dr. and Mrs. Watt. In 1922, Mrs. Watt (Margorie Palmer Watt, the youngest daughter of General Palmer) gifted over $100,000 in securities, some cash and her home to provide a permanent endowment for Sunny Vista.

Thankfully, a cure was found for tuberculosis, and Sunny Vista transitioned into a long-term care facility and then to a skilled care facility. Our existing facility was built in the late 1960’s with an addition of the west wing in 1971-72. An entire facility renovation was undergone in 2005. Over the years, the services have changed and grown to meet the needs of the community, Sunny Vista’s mission and philosophy remains much the same today: “We exist to ensure the elderly of our community, regardless of their economic status, have dignified access to affordable long-term care as well as short-term rehabilitation health care services in a comfortable and safe environment.”