When Summerville of St. Andrew’s welcomes its inaugural residents later this year, it will mark a new direction for senior living in Eureka and Greater St. Louis. The $23 million development, adjacent to its sister community, St. Andrew’s at Francis Place, will offer active older adults retirement living in a setting that feels anything but.

“This development allows us to expand our mission of service and continue the legacy of success that’s become synonymous with our organization,” said Mary Alice Ryan, president and CEO of parent company St. Andrew’s Resources for Seniors System, who is partnered with the Ursuline Sisters on this project. “We scoured the country for ways we could better serve this next generation of independent, active older adults. With our unique layout and topography, we’ve transformed these concepts into a community we feel will offer a retirement experience like no other.”

The neighborhood-style development will see 96 one- and two-bedroom units spread across 24 separate fourplex cottages. These “pocket neighborhoods” will have front porches and walking paths that connect households. Each pocket will be built around a central common space that will have amenities such as bocce ball and pickleball courts, gazebos and fire pits.

“Many people interested in our community grew up in neighborhoods; they want to know who’s living next door or down the street,” said Ryan in a news release. “These pocket neighborhoods, with their central outdoor amenities, will promote socialization, health, and interaction and provide residents flexibility and convenience to come and go as they please.”

An emphasis on technology has been incorporated into each unit, such as ADT security (video doorbells, door/window security), remote entry, personal monitors, health trackers, WiFi, telehealth and a neighborhood communication platform for maintenance or transportation requests and activity reservations.

A neighborhood clubhouse and bar will offer communal dining and social space. Here, meals will be produced by a combination of an in-house culinary team and partnerships with about a dozen local restaurants already onboard to deliver a variety of cuisine.

“We know many active adults work well into their traditional retirement years, and others want to explore the outdoors or globe-trot for months at a time,” added Ryan in the release. “Summerville will support whatever lifestyle you desire. With easy access to downtown, parks, ski and golf resorts, wineries, and nearby work and volunteer opportunities, residents can truly be as engaged as they want to be.”

It’s anticipated the first fourplex will be completed this summer with a graduated completion schedule until spring 2022. The development’s construction partner is Bingham Construction.