About

Berkshire Place (and The Residences at 89 South) are small, independent, non-profit organizations overseen by a local Board of Directors, dedicated health care and business professionals from our community.

Our programs and services are designed to enhance independence, quality of life, dignity and well-being. Our new modern facilties offer a friendly and relaxing environment in which comfort and security are paramount. Respect for privacy and encouragement of individual choices reinforce the personal values of each resident and patient consistent with our century-long tradition of caring for the community.

We understand that our residents and patients are why we exist, and this attitude comes through in every decision we make. We are never complacent about quality, and we continually strive to reach higher standards with resident, patient and family satisfaction always our top priorities.

Our newly constructed Berkshire Place facility and our historic renovation at the Residences of 89 South have impressive contemporary designs and expertly crafted layouts which are examples of reaching for higher standards – and the result has created a truly amazing environment that resembles five-star resorts. The buildings offer incredible settings that promote well-being and enhances optimal care and service deliveries, which should be seen in person to appreciate truly.

We are confident you will be pleased with your decision to select one of our senior living settings and care and services programs to meet your needs now and as you age in the future.

A History of Caring and Services
Since 1888

1888
Established
The organization was established in 1888 in accordance with the wishes of Zenas Marshal Crane, of Crane & Company. The architect for the original building located at 89 South Street in Pittsfield was H. Neil Wilson, who also designed the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge. The main building now known as the Residences at 89 South is in the Richardsonian Romanesque style.
Incorporated
In 1890, “the Home” was incorporated and named Berkshire County Home for Aged Women and in 1891 the entrance fee was set at $300.00.

1890
1925
Expansion
The exterior of 89 South (as seen from South Street) looks very much as it did in 1888, but in 1925, through the legacy of Miss Annie B. Clapp, the third floor was squared and an infirmary with nurses’ quarters was added.
Licensed
“The Home” was licensed as a Rest Home by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In 1951, the entrance fee was raised from $500.00 to $800.00. (The advent of Social Security was seen as keeping women in their own homes longer and thus advanced the age of applicants.)

1950
1960
Named
The name Berkshire Place was adopted.
Nursing Center
A modern infirmary was erected. The one-story structure, connected with the rear of the main building, was dedicated to Mrs. Winthrop M. Crane, Jr., on September 16, 1963.

1963
1986
Name Changed
On December 15, 1986, the incorporated name was changed from Berkshire County Home for Aged Women to Berkshire Retirement Home, Inc.
New Additon
A new addition provided six additional private rooms above the 1963 addition in the rear of the building and residents at Meadow Place (the sister home in Lenox) moved in following completion.

1991
2001
Medicare Certified
Six rooms were re-licensed from Residential Care to Nursing Care through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health making all 22 beds on the second floor nursing care. In 2001, Berkshire Place became Medicare certified.
At Home Established
Berkshire Place extended its care and services into the community with At Home with Berkshire Place – a private, home care agency program established to serve residents on our waiting list, those discharged home after a recuperative stay, and for those residing in the community needing non-skilled services.

2010
2013
New Facility Approved
Berkshire Place received Department of Public Health approval to construct a new 54-bed replacement facility.
New Building Opens
Berkshire Place opened its new building on November 12th which included 54 private rooms with private bathrooms and specialized programming and in 2015 was licensed to provide outpatient rehabilitation.

2014
2017
New Senior Independent Living
89 South Care Support, Inc. was incorporated and work began to renovate the original Berkshire Place at 89 South Street into Senior Independent Living.
89 South Opens
Residences at 89 South (old Berkshire Place location) was completed and received a certificate of occupancy. The first senior independent living person moved in on September 11, 2019.

2019

Board of Directors

Berkshire Place Board of Directors

John Murphy – President

Licensed Insurance Advisor – Retired

Mark Gilligan – Vice-President

Licensed Social Worker – Retired

Richard Herrick – Treasurer

New York State Health Facilities Association – Retired

Nelson Furlano – Secretary/Clerk

Certified Public Accountant – Retired

Shelley Guyette – Member

Berkshire Bank

Craig Kahn– Member

All Seasons Realty Group

Elizabeth Kirby – Member

Berkshire Health Systems

Tamara Lee – Member

Berkshire Wealth Advisors

Dorothy Mara – Member

Hashim & Spinola

Vincent Marinaro – Member

BBE Office Interiors

Mark McKenna – Member

Lee Bank

Jacqueline McNinch– Member

Adams Community Bank

Edward Forfa – Executive Director

Berkshire Place

Residences at 89 South Board of Directors

John Murphy – President

Licensed Insurance Advisor – Retired

Mark Gilligan – Vice-President

Licensed Social Worker – Retired

Richard Herrick – Treasurer

New York State Health Facilities Association – Retired

Nelson Furlano – Secretary/Clerk

Certified Public Accountant – Retired

Dorothy Mara – Member

Hashim & Spinola

Edward Forfa – Executive Director

The Residences at 89 South

At Home with Berkshire Place

John Murphy – President

Licensed Insurance Advisor – Retired

Mark Gilligan – Vice-President

Licensed Social Worker – Retired

Richard Herrick – Treasurer

New York State Health Facilities Association – Retired

Nelson Furlano – Secretary/Clerk

Certified Public Accountant – Retired

Dorothy Mara – Member

Hashim & Spinola

Edward Forfa – Executive Director

At Home with Berkshire Place

Contact Us

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About

A History of Caring and Services Since 1888

1888

1890

1925

1950

1960

1963

1986

1991

2001

2010

2013

2014

2017

2019

Board of Directors

Berkshire Place Board of Directors

Residences at 89 South Board of Directors

At Home with Berkshire Place

Contact Us

A History of Caring and Services
Since 1888