Lydia Roper Home in Norfolk is closing

The Lydia H. Roper Home, located in Norfolk’s historic Lafayette Park, was built in 1921 by Captain John L. Roper as a way of honoring his late wife. Since 1965, the Lydia Roper Home has been operated by Pinnacle Living (formerly known as Virginia United Methodist Homes, Inc.).

There are significant challenges associated with operating a building that is nearly 100 years old. The building’s infrastructure requires sizable and ongoing capital investments. Additionally, the building design causes problems for residents with mobility issues because it has multiple staircases and narrow hallways.  Furthermore, the Lydia Roper Home does not offer private bathrooms, but is designed more like an old fashioned college dormitory with shared hall bathrooms. The lack of private bathrooms is not in keeping with today’s market expectations.  

Thus, after thoughtful analysis and reflection, the Pinnacle Living Board of Directors has decided to close the Lydia Roper Home, effective January 31, 2019.  

Pinnacle Living team members are working with the 12 current residents to help find new homes that will meet their needs. Pinnacle Living will be offering severance packages to eligible team members displaced by the closing.  Pinnacle Living representatives are also working with Captain Roper’s heirs to execute their wishes regarding the building.