We’re Celebrating 40 Years of The Cedars of Austin
This year marks 40 years for The Cedars of Austin.
Since opening in 1986, it has become a place many families in Austin and the surrounding communities have come to know over time—not just as a community, but as part of their story. Some first experienced The Cedars while helping a parent or loved one, and years later found themselves returning again.
That kind of history takes time. It grows through relationships and a steady presence in the community.
Where It Started
The Cedars was founded by the Darrel Farr Family and has been family owned and operated since the beginning. That foundation shaped how the community was built and how it continues to operate today.
The property itself has an earlier history. Before becoming The Cedars, the building operated as the Red Cedar Inn, and before that, a Holiday Inn hotel. In 1985, Darrel Farr led a full renovation of the Red Cedar Inn, transforming the space into what would become The Cedars of Austin.
Its downtown location made it a natural fit for community life, with convenient access to nearby amenities. Many of the existing spaces were reworked during that transition—what had once been hotel and conference areas became shared spaces, including dining areas, a large community room, a billiards room, and places to spend time throughout the day.
From early on, the focus wasn’t only on providing care, but on getting to know people—understanding routines, preferences, and what makes someone feel comfortable in their day-to-day life. That approach has carried forward over time.
How Things Have Evolved
Senior living has changed quite a bit since the 1980s, and The Cedars has changed with it.
Living spaces have been updated over the years, and services have expanded to support residents with a wider range of needs, including memory care. These changes have always had an emphasis on improving daily life while keeping the overall feel of the community intact.
What Has Remained Consistent
Even with those updates, the overall experience at The Cedars has remained steady.
People often comment on how quickly they get to know the environment—recognizing others, settling into routines, and building relationships with staff. Families tend to feel that same sense of comfort as they spend more time here.
It’s not something created all at once, but something that develops naturally over time.
A Community Built Over Time
Forty years is really a collection of small, everyday moments rather than one big milestone.
Shared meals, ongoing conversations, and staff who have been part of the community long enough to recognize returning families all contribute to the overall character of the place. Over time, those moments shape how people experience The Cedars.
Looking Ahead
As The Cedars marks 40 years, that milestone will be reflected throughout the year in different ways, including events and opportunities to share stories from the past.
At the same time, daily life will continue much as it always has, shaped by routines, relationships, and the pace of everyday life. The focus remains on providing a place where people can settle in, get to know others, and feel at ease.
If you’ve had a connection to The Cedars at any point, this year is a chance to stop in and see it again.
