United Church Homes’ (UCH) strategic growth goals have never been about the bottom line, but rather about advancing the organization’s mission to help a diverse population of older adults live abundant lives.

“We cast a wide net in implementing our strategic growth plan,” explained Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer, Terry Spitznagel. “We work with a diverse group of individuals and organizations in financing, development, acquisition and management which create opportunities to meet and work with others who help advance UCH’s mission.”

Spitznagel’s commitment to UCH’s mission is what motivates her to identify and pursue opportunities for growth, including the new Whisper Hills mixed income senior community in San Marcos, Texas, about 50 miles northeast of San Antonio.

UCH is an investor in the project which involves construction of a 277 unit independent living senior community which UCH Management will manage once it is completed. Mission DG, whose core values of integrity, innovation and partnership align with UCH’s vision, is a partner in the project which will create a vibrant community for seniors in southern Texas.

“Diversity, equity and inclusion are important UCH priorities,” Spitznagel said. “We’re excited to expand our portfolio to serve a largely Hispanic community through our first housing community in Texas.”

The Whisper Hills Community — which will be rich in amenities including a swimming pool, fitness center, art studio, dog park and more – is expected to be ready for occupancy by the end of 2024.

“We’re also excited about the Longfellow Commons Community and our partnership with the G.F. Bailey Company and Weyland Ventures,” Spitznagel said. “It involves restoration of the historic Longfellow school building, a Dayton landmark, as well as new construction of 80 apartments on the campus. It will provide an open and affirming environment offering a welcoming and safe campus specifically appealing to those older adults of the LGBTQ+ community.”

Six million dollars in financial commitments – including $1.84 million in Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credits – have been secured for the $30-plus million development project located near downtown Dayton. Beautiful architectural features of the historic Longfellow school building, built in 1882, will be preserved including 12-foot pressed metal ceilings, exposed brick, ornate woodwork and staircases and terrazzo floors.

UCH also welcomed three managed communities recently: Columbus Colony Housing in Columbus, Ohio, Ken Mar Apartments in Martinsville, Indiana and and Meridian Point in Uniontown, PA.

Columbus Colony Housing is an affordable housing community that shares a campus with Columbus Colony for Elderly Care, also managed by UCH. It features 106 affordable housing apartments. About 60 percent of them are occupied by residents who are deaf or blind. The 40-plus-year-old building will be renovated top to bottom, including new flooring, kitchens and bathrooms in each apartment.

“We’re excited about these latest projects and eager to increase the number of seniors that we serve with a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion,” Spitznagel said. “It’s all about fulfilling our mission to help more older adults live abundantly!”