Lesli Marchese, Campus Carrier News Editor
In 2019, Berry will open its doors for to the Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). This community, set to be named next year, will be built on Berry’s 27,000 acres, near the old rock quarry and an 88-acre lake. The location was announced on Nov. 2.
“The advantages of having it near water, and what is a beautiful site, enables us to develop an area of campus that we really haven’t done anything with since it [isn’t] a quarry anymore,” dean of students Debbie Heida said.
Within a five-minute drive of several medical centers, the community will include apartment homes and cottages, and will offer healthcare, fitness, and other support services.
“It will be a community of about probably 300 seniors,” College President Stephen R. Briggs said. “There will be 140 independent apartments; there will be some cottages outside of it; there will be a critical care nursing facility; there will be a memory care facility and an assisted facility – all in one place.”
Heida said that the center will support itself financially.
“It’s a separate corporation from the college that will do this in partnership with the college,” Heida said. “It will have its own board with some college membership.”
Briggs, who said he is interested in living in the community himself, said the initial investment for the community will come from Berry’s endowment,which represents capital raised outside of the operating costs included in tuition costs.
“The people who actually move into it provide the income to pay for it over time. The college will make an investment in it from its endowment,” he said. “Over time this will not only provide jobs, it’s going to provide a long-term revenue stream that will help to supplement your tuition.”
Jeanne Mathews, assistant vice president of public relations and marketing, said that it will provide a unique opportunity for residents to enjoy the activities on campus. Residents of the community will have access to Berry’s campus to enjoy music, theater, seminars and other college events.
“It’s a very attractive proposition to come live at Berry and take part in the activities here,” Mathews said.
Heida is confident that the relationship between this community and Berry’s students will be a positive one.
“There’s lots of opportunities for relationships and intergenerational learning,” Heida said. “Any time you’ve got folks here that develop relationships with the students is a positive thing.”
The next year will be spent seeking interest from donors, staff and alumni. The college will begin taking deposits to hold spots this December. More information can be found at retireatberry.com.