News Summary
Texas A&M University collaborates with Varcity to create a retirement community for alumni and fans, set to open by 2027. Spanning 14 acres, the community will offer 260 residential options and access to university activities designed for seniors aged 55 and older. With interest from graduates already strong, the community promises amenities like priority access to Aggie events and opportunities for lifelong learning, reflecting a growing trend of university-affiliated retirement options.
College Station, Texas – Texas A&M University is partnering with Varcity to establish a retirement community for alumni and fans, which is expected to welcome its first residents by 2027. The development aims to create a vibrant living environment, allowing seniors aged 55 and older to maintain a close connection to the university and its activities.
Comprising 14 acres north of the Texas A&M campus, the retirement community will feature 260 residential options, including villas, townhomes, and one-, two-, and three-bedroom flats. The site will also be near the Century Square shopping area, providing easy access to amenities for residents. Specific pricing for the residences has yet to be finalized, but the project is already stirring significant interest, with Varcity receiving up to 15 inquiries per day from the university’s alumni since the announcement.
Among those interested is Gary Simpson, a Texas A&M graduate from 1977, who and his wife are considering relocating to College Station due to the planned community. The development promises a range of benefits, such as priority access to Aggie athletic events, the opportunity to audit courses, and other health-oriented perks, making it an attractive option for retirees who want to stay engaged in university life.
Varcity is the driving force behind the project, utilizing a model that promotes intergenerational living and learning. The community is designed to integrate seamlessly with university programs, ensuring that residents can participate in activities that foster intellectual stimulation and social interaction. Alongside traditional amenities such as a swimming pool and coworking spaces, the community will also offer unique features like a lecture hall, 3-D printing space, and a technology desk.
The project reflects a broader trend among universities across the country to create retirement communities associated with their campuses. Andrew Carle, an expert in senior living, highlights that such university-affiliated developments not only benefit retirees seeking stimulating environments but also provide colleges with a way to engage older generations. Varcity’s CEO, Les Strech, founded the company after researching healthy living and emphasizing the importance of intergenerational communities.
As part of its mission, Varcity plans to implement annual health assessments for residents, promoting their well-being and encouraging active lifestyles. Additionally, the partnership with Texas A&M has the potential to create collaborative research and experiential learning opportunities for students, faculty, and staff. This synergy aims to benefit both the residents of the community and the university at large.
The Texas A&M retirement community marks Varcity’s second major project; the company is also developing a similar facility at Purdue University, which is set to open next year. Groundbreaking for the Texas A&M project is anticipated by the end of this year, with the architectural designs provided by Reach Architects and Gensler’s San Antonio office.
The Texas A&M System’s commitment to fostering intergenerational living initiatives illustrates a growing recognition of the importance of keeping older generations actively involved with university campuses. As this trend unfolds, the new retirement community in College Station is positioned to become a dynamic hub for alumni and fans seeking an enriched lifestyle in close proximity to their alma mater.
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Additional Resources
- Houston Chronicle
- Wikipedia: Texas A&M University
- McKnight’s Senior Living
- Google Search: Texas A&M retirement community
- San Antonio Express-News
- Google Scholar: Texas A&M retirement community
- KBTX News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: senior living
- WTAW News
- Google News: retirement communities Texas A&M
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