Business & Leadership: Christwood Retirement Community

Christwood Retirement Community just celebrated its 25th Anniversary, and its Board of Directors has been looking toward the future.

In March 2021 the Board of Directors assembled a Master Plan task force. The team’s objective was to update the Master Plan, which had last been updated in 2012 and resulted in the construction of a state of the art Memory Care facility opening in 2017. The task force included Board members, staff members, management company members, and Greenbrier Development Company members with whom Christwood had worked previously on expansion plans.

The team reviewed the history of Christwood’s growth from 2007-2019 and conducted on-site visits, charrettes with staff, residents, Board members, prospective members, and Community Center members. From this intensive research and planning, the task force developed a preliminary land use study that supports the Christwood mission.

Updates to the plan include a comprehensive review of the current campus and plans for future use of the 60 adjacent undeveloped acres that Christwood has owned since 2012.

Under consideration is the possible addition of 80 new independent living apartment homes and cottages, new common space for community activities including indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, an ancillary clubhouse, bocce ball, and croquet courts.

Christwood is also exploring an extension of the Community Center, which would include an indoor pickleball facility designed essentially, but not exclusively, for people 55-plus years of age. The center would be dedicated to promoting healthy living and would offer state-of-the-art facilities and programs.

New indoor and outdoor pickleball courts are envisioned in the first phase of the Master Plan project to complement the Community Center’s indoor heated pool and senior fitness offerings on campus. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, enthusiasm for the racket sport of pickleball has grown by almost 40% over the past two years, making it the fastest growing sport in the US.

“Christwood is exploring the addition of a pickleball facility with three indoor courts and one outdoor court to keep up with popular demand by its residents and Community Center members,” said Steve Holzhalb, Christwood Executive Officer.

Also under consideration is a new health center, which would offer residences for those needing assisted living or skilled nursing. The task force is consulting with Greenbrier Development and PRDG Architects to explore all facets of a possible expansion. A market feasibility study was recently conducted by ProMatura.

The Christwood community has a history of reinvesting in its campus. A significant remodel of the independent living corridors was recently completed. They offer concierge living to more than 270 residents with access to resort-style amenities, convenient services, and easy access to quality healthcare. Situated on 117 acres in Covington, LA, Christwood is a not-forprofit Continuing Care Retirement Community.

Christwood Retirement Community is located at 100 Christwood Blvd., Covington. 898-0515. christwoodrc.com.