Independence Grove plans canned
Nick Tabor
Issue date: 11/13/08 Section: News
Last Thursday Hillsdale College administrators sent a letter to the approximately 35 people who had deposited money to live in Independence Grove, announcing they were canceling their plans for the retirement community.
College President Larry Arnn made the final decision two weeks ago, believing recent economic downturns made the investment unwise, said Vice President of Administration Rich Péwé.
"We just didn't think that was prudent at this point," Péwé said. "It's sad because we have a number of people who really want to be here. This was a way to make that happen."
Hillsdale resident Roberta Hill, a widow, said she has planned to live in Independence Grove since the college announced its plans to build it approximately six years ago.
"I'm 85 years old, and I needed it to get underway, because I'm thinking it's pretty soon now that I need to do something," she said. "As the time went on, nothing was happening, I certainly was [suspicious]. I was very disappointed because I wanted to stay here in Hillsdale County, and I thought it would be perfect for me."
Péwé said initial plans included a dining hall and an assisted-living component, but administrators repeatedly delayed construction and scaled back their plans as time went on. The most recent plan included 62 condominium units on a 29-acre site. The entrance would be on Barber Road.
They envisioned a community of like-minded people who wanted to continue their education during retirement, Péwé said.
Earlier this year they decided to look for a third-party investor because they decided the college couldn't afford to put up all the capital itself, he said. The Foulke Construction company eventually agreed to defer its fees for building a certain number of units, Vice President David Foulke said.
"[David Foulke] was certainly willing to do it if we'd have been willing to do it," Péwé said.
College President Larry Arnn made the final decision two weeks ago, believing recent economic downturns made the investment unwise, said Vice President of Administration Rich Péwé.
"We just didn't think that was prudent at this point," Péwé said. "It's sad because we have a number of people who really want to be here. This was a way to make that happen."
Hillsdale resident Roberta Hill, a widow, said she has planned to live in Independence Grove since the college announced its plans to build it approximately six years ago.
"I'm 85 years old, and I needed it to get underway, because I'm thinking it's pretty soon now that I need to do something," she said. "As the time went on, nothing was happening, I certainly was [suspicious]. I was very disappointed because I wanted to stay here in Hillsdale County, and I thought it would be perfect for me."
Péwé said initial plans included a dining hall and an assisted-living component, but administrators repeatedly delayed construction and scaled back their plans as time went on. The most recent plan included 62 condominium units on a 29-acre site. The entrance would be on Barber Road.
They envisioned a community of like-minded people who wanted to continue their education during retirement, Péwé said.
Earlier this year they decided to look for a third-party investor because they decided the college couldn't afford to put up all the capital itself, he said. The Foulke Construction company eventually agreed to defer its fees for building a certain number of units, Vice President David Foulke said.
"[David Foulke] was certainly willing to do it if we'd have been willing to do it," Péwé said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Jeanne Gombos
posted 12/26/08 @ 9:31 PM EST
The Independence Grove idea was fascinating! I am looking to live in an adult community in the next couple of years; the Del webb communities are wonderful but your idea of being on a college campus with continuing education opportunities and sharing valued experience with younger people was really fresh and exciting. (Continued…)
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