Sonata Lake Mary

by Kevin Fritz

Sonata Lake Mary, a premier retirement community offering a resort-style way of life, continues to shine as a gem in the world of senior living options. Sonata, which features independent living, assisted living, and memory care choices, recently turned three years old.

“It’s the culture that makes Sonata special,” says Executive Director Brooke Ellis. “This entire community is their home, not just their apartment. The residents truly look out for one another. And we all consider ourselves family.”

Appropriately situated on Caring Drive in Lake Mary’s Wellness and Technology Park, Sonata is part of AgeWell Solvere Living, which serves residents in 35 communities throughout the country.

Brooke has made Sonata Lake Mary’s family-oriented approach a priority since day one. She knows every resident’s name and sets a very high bar for her team members.

Four Floors of Standout Features 

What also sets the four-story Sonata neighborhood apart are the amenities that rival many high-end apartment complexes.

On the building’s first floor are Sonata’s independent living dining area, the High Notes bar, an outdoor heated swimming pool with an adjacent poolside bar and grill, a pickleball court, and a gym that encourages wellness, fitness, and a healthy lifestyle.

On the second level are a movie theater, a library, and an arts and crafts room, as well as a game room with a pool table on the third floor, and a simulated golf room on the fourth floor.

“We have a dedicated concierge team available to provide resort-style support to residents when need be 24 hours a day,” adds Kim Luna, Community Relations Director.

The community, with 245,000 square feet of living space, is home to around 200 residents – about two-thirds of whom are women. Singles and married couples rent the 193 apartments, just as they would at any apartment complex. Sonata is home to more than 100 residents in independent living, 70-plus residents in assisted living, and 13 memory care residents, all served by a staff of 110. 

All the apartments come with built-in safety and security features. The residents see Sonata Lake Mary as their welcoming neighborhood rather than a senior living center.

“This is their home now,” says Brooke. “We want to set them up for a lifestyle in which they will be successful.”

Buzzing with Activity

One of the highlights at Sonata Lake Mary is the delicious food, which elicits raves from the residents. The meals are prepared by a chef who has a passion for the senior lifestyle. He asks for their input, takes suggestions, and solicits recipes for favorite dishes.

Exciting daily activities are also plentiful at Sonata. Music is an important part of the residents’ world, and they can always find a card game to join, from bridge to poker to canasta. Jazz brunches on the third Sunday of the month are a major draw, and a popular men’s club offers golf outings and lunches. To the delight of the community’s animal-loving residents, Sonata is extremely pet-friendly and has its own pet spa. 

Many of the men and women living at Sonata are veterans, and a Veterans Wall acknowledges the contributions of each one. The oldest, who celebrated his 101st birthday in February, is Sydney Eugene “Gene” Croyle, one of the few remaining World War II survivors.

The comfort and happiness that can be found at Sonata are embodied by the community’s resident ambassadors, who welcome newcomers with open arms and help make the transition to their new environment an easier one.

“We are dealing with humans who need to find a landing point for the rest of their life journey,” says Brooke. “We’re humans helping humans.”