SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — June 6, 2025 — MC Companies, a renowned leader in multifamily investment, development, construction and management, is honored to celebrate the 104th birthday of a longtime resident of one of its properties. 

Bess Berk has lived at The Place at the Fountains at Sun City since 1997 — about as long as the community has existed. 

Built in 1996, The Place at the Fountains at Sun City was acquired by MC Companies in 2002. The property is one of MC Companies’ three independent living 55+ communities and features 182 units. It remains Sun City’s only true multifamily apartment complex, as most of the area’s housing options are single-family homes or condominiums. 

Berk said her journey at the Fountains began when she and her late husband started searching for a new place as maintaining their home became too much. 

“We looked for a long time. My son found it and was very impressed, and I loved it. My first lease was dated May 1, 1997,” she said. 

Born in 1921 near Green Bay, Wisconsin, Berk grew up on a dairy farm and is the oldest of eight siblings. She is also a mother of 10. 

She moved to Arizona after her husband, who “hated the cold with a passion,” found a job through an old friend from Chicago. 

These days, Berk lives on her own and enjoys watching television in her apartment. In earlier years, she loved reading historical and romance novels — “The Thorn Birds” being her favorite. She is also a Green Bay Packers fan. 

Though she enjoys her independent lifestyle, Berk isn’t alone. She has made many friends in the community. A few years ago, her neighbors threw her a surprise birthday party on her patio, and they’ve been celebrating with her every year since. MC team members have also joined the celebrations over the years to help make her day special. 

“I am very comfortable, happy with what I’ve got, and I think for my money, I’m getting the most out of my buck,” Berk said. She added that she appreciates the staff, describing them as welcoming and quick to respond to her needs. 

As for her 104th birthday, Berk said she may celebrate with her 10 children, who would be traveling from Texas, California and across Arizona, but she doesn’t have set plans. “I don’t buy green bananas because I don’t know if I’m going to be here when they get ripe,” she said, laughing. 

“MC Companies is proud to honor Bess’ milestone,” said Brian Kearney, MC Companies’ chief operating officer. “To celebrate, we’re happy to present Bess with a personal letter signed by MC’s owners and executives, chocolates, flowers and free rent for her birthday month.” 

Berk will turn 104 on June 26, 2025. 

MC Companies thanks Bess Berk for choosing to live at The Place at the Fountains at Sun City for 28 years and wishes her a very happy birthday — and many more to come.