Updates From Arcadia at Sewanee’s Board of Directors
Arcadia at Sewanee is making steady progress toward bringing a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) to Sewanee.
Recent developments include Janet Cooper joining as program director; LiveWell on the Mountain - the aging-in-place program introduced by Arcadia and managed by Blakeford Senior Life - increasing its membership to 15; and engaging the services of ARCH Consultants last fall to evaluate the feasibility of developing a CCRC on an approximately 12.5-acre site between Kennerly Road and Alabama Avenue.
Of the potential sites considered by Arcadia and the University, this location appears to be the best suited based on access to the campus via existing 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.
Given this progress, where does Arcadia stand today?
After evaluating a variety of density maps for the preferred site, Arcadia’s board of directors is currently considering a CCRC of up to 100 units based on existing residential leasehold lines. The CCRC would include cottages, row houses, and a central apartment building that would include independent living, assisted living, and memory care units.
In addition, based on further input from ARCH, Blakeford, and HJ Sims (investment bankers), the Board has interviewed three nationally recognized companies to perform a market study that would delineate the CCRC’s primary and secondary markets, analyze the demand for this type of facility based on demographics of the area, make recommendations for the pricing of units, and determine its financing feasibility.
Part of this process will include confirmation that the Alabama site is the optimal location for the CCRC. It is expected that this study will help reduce potential lender concerns regarding Sewanee’s rural location and the CCRC’s reliance on a higher-than-typical percentage of residents coming from a secondary market.
Arcadia expects the CCRC to be considered a destination location based on Sewanee’s natural beauty and the appeal of a university-based environment.
For more information, please contact Janet Cooper.
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.
