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Explore Life at The James

Why Choose The James? 

At The James of Ferndale, home is more than where you live. It’s where you can feel comfortable, connected, and completely yourself.

Designed for active adults 55+, The James offers a welcoming community where you can enjoy maintenance-free apartment living while making the most of every day. Whether you’re relaxing at home, enjoying community spaces, or exploring everything Ferndale has to offer, you’ll have the freedom to live life your way.

Come home to comfort. Stay for the community. Live life at The James.

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Freedom From Home Maintenace

Leave lawn care, snow removal, repairs and everyday maintenance responsibilities behind. Spend more of your time traveling, enjoying hobbies, seeing family, or simply doing what you want to do.

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Your Independence, Your Way

The James is designed for independent adults. You have your own private apartment and the freedom to shape your days around the life you want.

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Community When You Want It

Living independently doesn't have to mean living disconnected. Shared spaces, activities and opportunities to meet neighbors make it easier to build relationships and feel part of a community.

You don't have to wait until you need to move. 

Choosing The James can be about what you want to gain: less responsibility, greater freedom, more connection and more time to enjoy the life you've built.

The best of both worlds.

Enjoy the privacy and independence of your own apartment along with opportunities to connect, participate and build new relationships when you choose.
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What is Active Adult 55+ Living?

Active Adult living is for people who want to make life simpler without giving up their independence. It's a private residence in a community of adults 55+, with the benefit of a maintenance-free lifestyle and opportunities for connection. Think of it as a lifestyle choice for your next chapter, not a decision driven by a need for care.

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The James - A Ferndale landmark, thoughtfully reimagined

The James is more than a place to live. It is a living part of Ferndale’s history. Originally home to the historic St. James School, the building served generations of local families and became a familiar presence along Woodward Avenue. In 2019, the former school was thoughtfully transformed into The James, giving the landmark a new purpose as a 55+ residential community while preserving distinctive architectural features such as its original brickwork, arched openings, and stone details. The project represents an important example of adaptive reuse in Ferndale, preserving a building with deep community connections rather than losing it to redevelopment.

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