Senior living community planned for RIT

RIT puts a new twist on life-long learning with plans for a senior living community at the Racquet Club apartment complex near campus.

RIT is working with a developer to convert the property into a retirement community. Services and programs linked to the university would cater to individuals over age 62. The developer, Christa Development Corp., will market newly constructed patio homes and apartments, with an emphasis on RIT alumni and retirees. Nearly 30,000 of RIT’s 90,000 alumni reside in the Rochester area and there are more than 800 retirees.

“We felt this would be a way to encourage people to stay connected with the university,” says Margaret Cass Ferber, associate vice president for finance and administration. “RIT will now have everything ranging from a day care center to senior living.”

Demolition of the old student apartments off East River Road will begin in the fall. Patrick Tobin, vice president of Christa, says occupancy of 70 patio homes and 80 apartments should begin in 2004 or early 2005.

Patio homes will be about 1,500 square feet with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The complex will have a common area for social, cultural and educational activities, as well as meals.

The units will be maintenance-free with services including housekeeping, groundskeeping, and transportation to RIT. The link to campus also will include:

• Use of RIT facilities, such as the future field house, swimming pool and fitness center.

• Discounted tuition and online learning opportunities.

• Discounted tickets to RIT events.

Discussions are also underway to partner with the Athenaeum, an RIT-sponsored organization that offers enrichment classes to people over 50. The Athenaeum is located adjacent to the proposed housing.

Anyone interested in learning more about the complex may contact Tobin at 585-924-3101 or by e-mail at ptobin@christa.com.