News Summary
Texas A&M University is partnering with Varcity to develop a unique residential retirement community on its main campus for individuals aged 55 and older. The community will feature around 260 rental apartments and various amenities including coworking spaces, lecture halls, and fitness programs. With an emphasis on intergenerational engagement and educational opportunities, the community aims to provide an enriching environment for former students and active seniors. Construction is expected to begin early next year, marking a significant trend in university-affiliated retirement living.
College Station – Texas A&M University is set to break new ground by partnering with Varcity, a real estate development company, to create a pioneering residential retirement community on its main campus. This initiative, the first of its kind at Texas A&M, is intended for individuals aged 55 and older who desire an active lifestyle intertwined with educational opportunities and community engagement.
The newly planned community will occupy approximately 14 acres adjacent to the Century Square property, featuring around 260 rental apartments, villas, townhomes, and memory care facilities. Varcity’s development aims to construct a vibrant living environment that includes various amenities designed to enhance the quality of life for its residents.
Amenities will encompass coworking spaces, a lecture hall, restaurants, pickleball courts, food truck courts, and fitness programs. Additional services such as salons, laundry facilities, and technology assistance will also be available to cater to the diverse needs of residents. In addition to these amenities, residents will have the unique opportunity to audit classes at the university, utilize the AggieSpirit bus service, and enjoy priority access to university theater events and sporting games.
While specific pricing details for the residences have not yet been finalized, Varcity’s CEO noted the high demand for this type of living arrangement. Within just three days of the announcement, the company received approximately 100 inquiries from interested individuals.
Construction on the new community is expected to commence in early next year, with an anticipated completion date within two years. The project aims to provide a retirement destination that allows former students and fans of Texas A&M to engage with the university and each other in meaningful ways.
The development aligns with a growing trend towards university-affiliated retirement communities in the United States. According to housing experts, there are currently around 85 such communities across the country, with three located within Texas. This trend is particularly popular among baby boomers who are seeking intellectually stimulating environments where they can interact with college students and partake in educational and cultural activities.
Varcity’s approach focuses on enhancing the health span of its residents rather than merely extending their lifespan. The firm draws inspiration from the concept of “The Blue Zones,” which emphasizes environmental factors that promote longevity and a sense of community belonging. By fostering intergenerational connections, Varcity aims to create communities that encourage personal growth and relationship-building among residents.
This initiative marks Varcity’s second project, following a similar development at Purdue University in Indiana. The architectural design of the new retirement community at Texas A&M is being spearheaded by Reach Architects and Gensler, with the involvement of Houston-based Midway for additional consultation.
This new residential retirement community is part of a broader movement within the senior living sector, where developments are increasingly situated near or on university campuses. Such locations are designed to engage alumni and foster a dynamic intergenerational environment, ultimately enriching the lives of residents and the university community alike.
As the population of older adults continues to grow nationwide, developments like the Texas A&M and Varcity partnership signify a shift towards more inclusive and engaging living options for seniors, promoting a retirement lifestyle filled with education, activity, and community engagement.
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Additional Resources
- Express News
- Wikipedia: Texas A&M University
- McKnight’s Senior Living
- Google Search: Texas A&M retirement community
- WTAW
- Google Scholar: university-affiliated retirement communities
- KBTX
- Encyclopedia Britannica: retirement communities
- The Eagle
- Google News: Texas A&M retirement community
