Update From the Board of Directors
Dear Friends of Arcadia,
Thank you again for completing the Arcadia at Sewanee ProMatura survey. Galvanized by the encouraging results of the survey conducted several months ago, Arcadia at Sewanee’s Board of Directors is excited to share the steps we have taken toward the goal of developing a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in Sewanee.
First, we are pleased to announce that Janet Cooper has been hired by Arcadia at Sewanee to share her 40 years of experience in nonprofit management. In 2017, Janet returned to the Mountain to assist with the care of her mother, a 50-year Sewanee resident, and feels particularly connected to the possibility of establishing a CCRC in Sewanee. Janet’s past work with educational and arts-related organizations - and, most recently, as former director of the Plateau’s South Cumberland Community Fund - will be an asset to the organization.
In the spring of 2022, Arcadia introduced Blakeford Senior Life’s aging-in-place program, LiveWell on the Mountain, to the Sewanee and Monteagle communities. The program was officially launched in November 2022 and now has 11 community members, with plans to continue to expand its membership. One of the many positive results of this relationship has been the support we have received from Brian Barnes, President and CEO of Blakeford, a 501(c)(3) CCRC based in Nashville.
Over the course of the past summer, Arcadia board members met with Blakeford executives and representatives of HJ Sims, an investment banking firm actively involved in financing retirement facilities, to discuss the survey results and next steps to maximize the success of such a development. Concurrently, Arcadia contracted with an engineering consultant to determine the suitability of three potential sites for a retirement facility.
Meetings between Arcadia, Blakeford, and HJ Sims led to the engagement of ARCH Consultants of Chicago, IL, a consulting firm that works primarily with faith-based CCRC’s, and that has worked with HJ Sims on several projects. After visiting potential locations ARCH is evaluating the possibility of a CCRC on a 12.5-acre site between Alabama Avenue and Kennerly Road. This site seems to be best suited for consideration due to its existing infrastructure, access to the campus via roadways and the new Heritage Trail, proximity to the Sewanee Village (including the possibility of a walking bridge), and ease of access from Highway 41-A.
Over the next two to three months ARCH will evaluate the topographical suitability of the site, prepare a site design and architectural renderings of the buildings, and create a development budget and financial forecast. ARCH and Arcadia board members will work closely with the University, neighboring leaseholders, and the community at large in developing these plans.
Arcadia has covered the costs for all the above efforts, and it has raised sufficient funds to cover the initial ARCH Consultants fee. Arcadia anticipates that, based on ARCH’s conclusions, the next step will be to raise additional contributions and arrange long-term financing for the project.
Thank you for your interest in the development of a continuing care facility in Sewanee. Our shared love for this special place is a testament to the desire of many of us to live out our years on the Mountain. We look forward to your continued involvement in this process, and, as promised, we will continue to keep you informed via emails and on Arcadia’s website.
On behalf of the Arcadia at Sewanee Board of Directors, I wish you a wonderful holiday season.
George Elliott, C’81
President
Arcadia at Sewanee
The mission of Arcadia at Sewanee is to serve older adults in a residential living community with services that: encourage active, healthy living; respect each individual's dignity, rights and independence; value ongoing educational, artistic and community service offerings; and offer opportunities for intergenerational relationships.
