Arcadia at Sewanee Reports Results of Survey

Arcadia at Sewanee received encouraging results from a survey launched in November to determine the demand for a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in Sewanee. The survey was conducted by ProMatura, a national consulting firm that is recognized as one of the strongest possible advisors for such projects. The Arcadia at Sewanee Board of Directors is grateful to the alumni, retired and current faculty and staff, and area residents who dedicated their time to complete the survey. The number of responses enabled ProMatura to make its recommendations with a high degree of confidence.

Arcadia’s Board is diligently working toward next steps which include active discussions with the University of the South regarding possible sites for the CCRC. Below is a summary of ProMatura’s conclusions and recommendations.

The results indicate sufficient demand to support a CCRC on or near the University domain. ProMatura recommends that Arcadia continue its work to develop a retirement community of up to 140 units with approximately 70 percent being independent living, 20 percent assisted living, and 10 percent memory care units. ProMatura further recommends that Arcadia at Sewanee identify a strong CCRC developer and initiate financing options.

ProMatura recommends a mix of one- and two-bedroom independent living apartments of 800 to 1,500 square feet, and cottages of up to 2,200 square feet.

The survey indicates that any of several location types would be workable, including in a woodland area on the Domain, or near “Downtown Sewanee,” or with a bluff view near the Domain. Several possible sites are under active discussion.

Supporting observations and conclusions include:

• Nearly 90 percent of respondents indicate that they feel positive or very positive about Sewanee as a potential location;

• Just over 50 percent of the respondents are alumni, reside in Tennessee, with a high concentration living in Sewanee and its surrounding communities;

• Services rated as most essential include dedicated assisted living and memory care apartments, scheduled shuttle service to University venues and events, and opportunities for lifelong learning;

• Desired amenities include a restaurant style dining room, tech and computer services, a library/reading room, and a fitness center;

• More than half the respondents indicate they are interested in intergenerational friendships; and

• Approximately one third of the respondents requested to be kept informed of Arcadia at Sewanee’s progress toward establishing a CCRC.

ProMatura noted that arrangements for access to state-of-the-art healthcare will be an important consideration.

Arcadia’s Board looks forward to sharing developments during the coming months, and updates can be found on Arcadia’s new website.