Switzerland's First LGBTIQ+-Friendly Retirement Home Breaks Ground in Zurich
Construction has begun in Zurich on Switzerland's first watch-friendly retirement centre. Named Espenhof, the facility will offer housing tailored to LGBTIQ+ seniors while also welcoming non-queer residents. The project, years in the making, aims to address long-standing challenges faced by older queer individuals in traditional care settings.
The initiative was first proposed in 2018 by the association queerAltern Zurich, which sought support from the city. Now, with ground officially broken, the centre is set to open in spring 2028 under the management of the City of Zurich's Foundation for Senior Housing.
The Espenhof complex will include 138 apartments, along with a dedicated residential care group. Of these, 26 apartments will be reserved specifically for LGBTIQ+ residents, while the remaining 112 will be available to non-queer individuals—provided they embrace a tolerant and inclusive mindset. Early discussions with potential residents will clarify expectations, ensuring a respectful environment for all.
The need for such a facility became clear due to the difficulties queer seniors often face in standard retirement homes. Many report having to repeatedly come out or encountering prejudice, making traditional housing options uncomfortable or even unsafe. Espenhof seeks to eliminate these barriers by creating a space where queer identities are both recognised and celebrated.
Barbara Bosshard, president of queerAltern Zurich, has expressed enthusiasm for the project's progress. She believes Espenhof will set a precedent, demonstrating how inclusive senior living can work in practice. The centre's design includes one building exclusively for queer residents, reinforcing its commitment to diversity while fostering a mixed community of different life experiences.
Espenhof is scheduled to welcome its first residents in 2028. The facility will operate as a model of inclusive senior housing, blending dedicated queer spaces with broader community living. Its success could influence similar projects across Switzerland and beyond.
