More Than a Community—A Commitment
Our story begins with Mrs. Ottis Lake, a pioneering nurse from Jacksonville, Texas, whose life was guided by a deep, unwavering commitment to care. A single mother of four, Mrs. Lake worked tirelessly—often juggling multiple jobs—while pursuing her nursing license. She believed that her mission was divinely inspired: to bring dignity, compassion, and safety to seniors at a time when no systems were in place to protect them.
At a time when government assistance didn’t exist and many seniors were forced to live in substandard conditions, Mrs. Lake broke new ground. With early backing from generous supporters such as Tyler oilman Mr. J. Burns Brown and his wife, she opened her first upscale care community—complete with a chapel, beauty and barber shop, and designated treatment spaces. Her original 54-bed facility redefined what senior care could look like and set a new standard for the state.
But Mrs. Lake’s impact extended far beyond her walls. She lobbied successfully for licensing requirements and minimum standards in senior living, helping lay the foundation for regulated elder care across Texas. Her compassion knew no bounds—she provided clothing, arranged funerals, and offered unwavering support to every resident, regardless of their circumstances.
Her two sons carried that legacy forward, expanding the family’s vision into larger, more innovative healthcare communities. Her youngest son went on to found American Health Services, Inc., which today serves as the general partner of Founder’s Commercial, Ltd.—the master developer behind The Abbey at Westminster Plaza. This community stands as a living reflection of Mrs. Lake’s enduring mission: to raise the standard of senior living through love, service, and excellence.
Today, The Abbey at Westminster Plaza blends modern design with old-fashioned heart. With the largest apartments in the Houston area, luxurious amenities such as an indoor pool and HydroWorx therapy pool, and a full continuum of care—from Independent Living to Assisted Living and Memory Care—The Abbey is where comfort meets capability, and tradition meets innovation.
Built upon generations of dedication from the Lake family—and in proud partnership with the Brown family—The Abbey remains a shining example of what’s possible when care is more than a service... it’s a calling. We invite you to visit and see for yourself how our legacy lives on, one resident at a time.
Schedule your personal tour today and discover why The Abbey at Westminster Plaza is Houston’s trusted name in senior living.
