09/13/2026
As we celebrate National Assisted Living Week, we thought there was no better time to share a story we don’t often tell, OUR WHY and the story of how The Legacy Place came to be.
Our family moved to Valley City in the summer of 2000, shortly after we completed our residency at the University of North Dakota–Minot campus. Valley City quickly became home, and over the years we grew deeply connected to the people we served.
In 2006, Tanya’s grandma was living at the Landmark and found herself needing additional support. At that time, Valley City had only one assisted living facility and the waiting list was four years long.
Her choices were difficult, move into a nursing home before she truly needed that level of care, or leave the community she loves and her friends, her pastor, her physician, and the familiar routines of her home.
Neither felt right.
As we talked about her situation, we realized how many of our patients had faced that same difficult choice. We felt strongly that our community deserved another option, and we decided to try to make a difference.
In 2007, we began touring assisted living facilities across a three-state area. We took note of what worked well, what didn’t, and what we would want for someone we loved. Slowly, a vision began to take shape.
We envisioned a single-level community that would be safer and easier to navigate. We wanted an on-site kitchen serving three meals every day, because breakfast matters and food brings people together. We wanted awake caregivers available 24 hours a day, so residents would never have to wait for someone to “wake up” when they needed help. And we wanted a warm-water therapy pool to help people remain active, maintain mobility, and manage pain.
In 2009, after years of planning, building, and hoping, The Legacy Place opened its doors.
Much has changed over the last 17 years and we see that as a good thing. Change means growth, improvement, and responding to the needs of the people who choose to call The Legacy Place home.
It began with one woman who deserved better options.
Today, that purpose continues with every resident who walks through our doors and trusts us with their comfort, dignity, independence, and daily life.
As we celebrate National Assisted Living Week, we are reminded of why this journey began and how grateful we are for every resident, family member, employee, and community member who has become part of the story.
It is our honor to serve you.
Paul & Tanya Diegel
The Legacy Place
Every Life. Every Story. Every Legacy. 💚
