News Summary
Texas A&M University is partnering with Varcity to construct the first residential retirement community on its main campus in Bryan-College Station. This project aims to cater to aging alumni and fans, offering a variety of living arrangements and amenities designed to enhance social interaction and engagement with the university community. Groundbreaking is set for late 2025, with completion expected in 2027. The development will feature villas, townhomes, and various communal spaces aimed at fostering intergenerational engagement.
Bryan-College Station, Texas – Texas A&M University has announced a public-private partnership with Varcity to construct the first residential retirement community on its main campus. This innovative development will cater to alumni and fans, marking a significant step in catering to the needs of aging members of the Aggie community.
The retirement community will be located within walking distance of the Memorial Student Center and will encompass 14 acres. Groundbreaking is set for the end of 2025, with the completion of the project anticipated for fall 2027. Varcity, a builder and operator specialized in on-campus developments and part of the McNair Living brand, is undertaking this project in collaboration with Texas A&M.
This initiative marks Texas A&M University’s second university-affiliated development by Varcity, following a similar retirement community project slated to open next year at Purdue University. The partnership aims to create a retirement destination that fosters engagement with the university while offering a variety of living options suitable for individuals aged 55 and older.
Retirement Community Features
The Texas A&M retirement community will provide diverse living arrangements, including villas, townhomes, and one-, two-, and three-bedroom flats. In addition to comfortable living spaces, residents will enjoy a plethora of amenities designed to enhance their quality of life and encourage social interaction.
Key features of the community will include a food truck court, co-working spaces, a lecture hall for educational pursuits, pickleball courts for recreational activities, and e-bike checkout facilities. Additionally, a pastry house and an area for 3D printing, which will host projects from Texas A&M students, are included in the plans. These amenities aim to create a vibrant and engaging living environment that encourages lifelong learning and personal growth.
Focus on Intergenerational Engagement
Varcity’s development model emphasizes longevity, healthcare, academic engagement, and intergenerational programming. This approach allows residents to audit university classes and actively participate in mentorship and internship opportunities, further enriching their experience within the university community. Clint Cooper, head of real estate for the Texas A&M University System, highlighted the project’s goal of enhancing engagement with the university and creating a meaningful retirement experience for its residents.
Collaboration and Design
The design of the community is being co-led by Austin-based Reach Architects along with Gensler’s San Antonio office. The project also benefits from the consulting expertise of Houston-based Midway, under the leadership of Brad Freels, a recipient of the 2024 Texas A&M Distinguished Alumnus Award. These collaborations aim to produce an environment that is functional, aesthetically pleasing, and harmonious with the campus atmosphere.
Growing Trend in University Retirement Communities
The concept of universities developing retirement communities on or near their campuses is part of a growing trend within higher education, with similar initiatives already in progress at institutions such as the University of Notre Dame, Stanford University, and the University of Texas at Austin. Such developments are becoming increasingly recognized as viable solutions to support alumni and create a sense of continuity for graduates.
Varcity’s founder and CEO has expressed enthusiasm about leveraging the successful model of previous university-based retirement communities to establish a similar success at Texas A&M, underscoring the potential for growth and development in this emerging sector.
As Texas A&M University progresses with this initiative in partnership with Varcity, it sets a precedent for future alums and fans seeking integrated community living options that maintain ties with their alma mater.
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Additional Resources
- McKnight’s Senior Living
- Wikipedia: Texas A&M University
- WTAW
- Google Search: Texas A&M University Retirement Community
- KBTX
- Google Scholar: University Retirement Communities
- The Eagle
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Retirement Communities
- Google News: Texas AM University
- KCEN TV
