HOHP #20: ROBIN TEXERIA

Written by Joseph Smith, a founding member of KHPB and longtime Hyde Park resident. He can be found around Hyde Park in our community meetings, participating in clean up activities and leading walks; he is especially active in his role as leader of FHNA (Fairmount Hill Neighborhood Association). 

For this month’s Humans of Hyde Park story, we feature Robin Texeria, the property manager of Blake Estates on Hyde Park Avenue. Robin, a Mattapan resident, has been at this Beacon Communities site since 2014. The senior citizens’ facility was built in 1980-81 and houses 300 residents whose ages range from 62 to 99 years old.

Since Robin’s arrival, there have been ongoing renovations and upgrades to the property inside and out. The public’s view of the landscaping is what originally brought KHPB to support and praise the site. However, there is much more to see that is not visible from the street. Robin personally oversees the manicured grounds and is directly involved in the choice of flowers and the location of all the beautiful planters that dot the property.  She talked of transitioning the planters from spring and summer plants to fall flowers later this week. She believes that the look of the property is one of the most important aspects of providing a positive living experience. With 254 one bedroom and 9 two bedroom apartments, she has her hands full, but her energy, creativity and passion prevail. Luckily, she also has a great team working with her and they all take pride in what they do.

The interiors are all newly painted since Robin’s arrival.  Additionally, there are new bathrooms, rugs, signage and landscaping. The site also has a wellness center, a computer and fitness center, and offers all sorts of age appropriate programs for its seniors.  There is a welcoming interior courtyard with outside seating which is a pleasant getaway from Hyde Park’s busy traffic and noise. The site sits on a pristine portion of historic Mother Brook which provides a peaceful setting with the soft bubbling sound of the moving water.  This is the perfect site in Hyde Park to meditate and enjoy nature.

While we were walking the property, a senior came up to Robin and asked if he could research and plant some hummingbird friendly plants along the brook.  He had only seen three hummingbirds in his life and wanted plantings to encourage them to come to Blake Estates. Robin is totally approachable by seniors and staff and was very supportive and encouraging of the planting idea.

Blake Estates is a beautiful, well-maintained community. It is a bright star in its Hyde Park Avenue location.  Robin says that she loves what she does. Clearly, her love translates into a very beautiful and positive living experience for our deserving senior population.  

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