My Story

Domus is the Latin word for house, but it goes beyond simply meaning four walls. A domus is a very particular kind of house – it’s a structure designed for a nuclear or extended family. The word evokes a haven, a place of refuge from life’s stressors and troubles.

That is the vision behind Solvita’s Coffee Domus: to be so much more than a place to grab a cup of coffee, but instead to be a welcoming meeting place where people will meet, linger, get to know one another, and make friends. It will be a spot to sit and savor and a salve and solution for residents of our neighborhood.

I have long cherished a dream of opening a café adjacent to a small shop. My ideal was a spot near a park that attracts dog owners, providing a place where kindred spirits could meet to appreciate beauty, nature, and each other while their dogs romped or rested. How remarkable that my beloved dogs, Abby and Saule, were integral to finding the ideal spot. As I tried to meet their need for a place to walk and run, they led me to Katherine Legge Memorial Park. Did they sense my need as much as I did theirs?

Transfixed by the park’s beauty, I couldn’t help but notice two abandoned buildings that seemed to be crying out for love and attention. At first, their appearance seemed only a mirror of the loneliness that I’ve noted in far too many members of our community and have wished I could do something about.

For many years, I worked in hospitals, nursing homes, and mental health clinics. From these experiences—and from what research now confirms—I became deeply concerned about an epidemic too often left unspoken: loneliness. Loneliness is not a fleeting sadness; it is a destructive force. It fuels illness—heart disease, dementia, depression, anxiety. It drives people toward addiction. It fractures communities, deepens polarization, and at its worst, can give rise to violence. Over time this concern pressed more heavily on me, until one day, with Abby and Saule,I came upon the historic Zook House and Studio, once home to the renowned architect Harold Zook at the dawn of the last century. The story-filled “thatched” roofs of both buildings stirred me deeply, and in that moment, I recognized the possibility of fulfilling a long-held dream: to transform them into a domus—a place of refuge and belonging.

The vision was simple yet profound: a home for connection, where people gather to share, to listen, and to be heard. A place where isolation gives way to community—and loneliness is met with the healing power of human presence.

Solvita’s Coffee Domus is more than a café—it’s a destination for connection. The space is designed to feel inviting and unintimidating, where people can gather naturally and comfortably. We’ll host events for dog lovers, garden enthusiasts, musicians, and anyone eager to share hobbies or discover new ones. Whether you come to participate, listen, or simply enjoy the atmosphere, you’ll find a welcoming environment without expectation or pressure. At Coffee Domus, community and conversation grow organically, fostering a sense of belonging, healing, and acceptance for all.