University Linked Retirement Communities - New Models for Retirement: Collegiate Retirement Community Consultants

The Collegiate Retirement Community Consultants provides a "hands on advisory" service from initial concept to first two years of operation to help avoid costly mistakes and assure the highest quality and state of the art university linked retirement community. Specifically, services would include but would not be limited to the following items.

Market Study

The initial step in determining the viability of the university- linked retirement community is to conduct a market study to establish the nature of such a market. Current plans would call for the selection of a sample of retired faculty and staff, age qualified alumni, friends of the university and others. The study will consist of a questionnaire with a focus on such issues as: a) interest in becoming a part of such a community measured by a willingness to put a modest dollar sum in a refundable escrow account; b) preferences of size, type and features of residential dwellings; c) interest in educational and cultural opportunities; d) interest in recreational activities both indoor and outdoor; e) cost and other financial matters; f) readiness and timing of moving into such a community; and g) a basis of an active client list for marketing purposes. Such data would be very helpful for the Steering Committee's effort to develop a planning model.

Conceptual Planning Model

Assist colleges and universities in creating a conceptual planning model in terms of what this community may look like; who will it primarily serve; determine the number of units as well as the type of building or buildings (high rise, low rise, clusters of single detached dwellings, etc.); what services and amenities will be provided; and preferred location or locations; as well as other relevant considerations. This model would provide direction for the University as well as necessary information for architectural services.

Selection of Architectural Firm

The above planning model will serve as a basis for the development of an RFP (Request for Proposal) for several pre-screened architectural firms to present their design concepts for the project. In addition to assisting in the development of an RFP, assistance will also be provided in the selection of the most qualified architectural firm.

Selection of Developer/Builder

Develop criteria for the selection of the most qualified developer/builder and to participate in the selection process. Here again, criteria will be developed to use as guidelines for the selection of the most qualified developer/builder. Several pre-screened developer/builder firms will be invited to present their proposals. Their proposals will in part be based on their response to the architectural drawings that will be provided to them and in part on selection criteria elements such as quality standards for materials and workmanship; estimates of completion deadlines and their history of completion deadlines; quality and cost factors; policy regarding change orders and other similar considerations.

Complete Marketing Program

Develop a complete marketing program starting with a) an initial press conference and future news releases and relationships with the media; b) develop a comprehensive marketing manual which set up the "ground rules" for the marketing effort; c) develop all brochures, ads, display materials and location of sales office; d) train and work with marketing staff; and e) work with legal department in producing a residency agreement.

Selection and Training of Management

Help select the best-qualified management firm for day-to-day operations or if it seems warranted, select and train appropriate university personnel for management duties. Since there really aren't many management firms that have managerial experience with this cutting edge type of community, it may be possible, for instance, to work with the Hospitality Program at the University to develop training modules for management personnel that may wish to specialize in the retirement housing arena. Assistance would be provided for such requirement as a) pre-opening managing and hiring stages up to 90% occupancy; b) managing post-90% occupancy; c) establishing operation budgets and reviews; d) staffing; and e) "ground rules" for maintaining the highest quality possible for delivering services to the client population.

Local Community Involvement

Help promote local community involvement including civic and elected leaders, local community service organizations and relevant others.

An Enabling Culture

Lastly, help assist the University in various and sundry ways in realizing the full potential of an enabling culture by developing programs and opportunities that integrate the mature residents into all facets of university life to the mutual benefit of both.



			The Collegiate Retirement Community Consultants provides a "hands on advisory" service from initial concept to first two years of operation to help avoid costly mistakes and assure the highest quality and state of the art university linked retirement community. Specifically, services would include but would not be limited to the following items. *Market Study* The initial step in determining the viability of the university- linked retirement community is to conduct a market study to establish the nature of such a market. Current plans would call for the selection of a sample of retired faculty and staff, age qualified alumni, friends of the university and others. The study will consist of a questionnaire with a focus on such issues as: a) interest in becoming a part of such a community measured by a willingness to put a modest dollar sum in a refundable escrow account; b) preferences of size, type and features of residential dwellings; c) interest in educational and cultural opportunities; d) interest in recreational activities both indoor and outdoor; e) cost and other financial matters; f) readiness and timing of moving into such a community; and g) a basis of an active client list for marketing purposes. Such data would be very helpful for the Steering Committee's effort to develop a planning model. *Conceptual Planning Model* Assist colleges and universities in creating a conceptual planning model in terms of what this community may look like; who will it primarily serve; determine the number of units as well as the type of building or buildings (high rise, low rise, clusters of single detached dwellings, etc.); what services and amenities will be provided; and preferred location or locations; as well as other relevant considerations. This model would provide direction for the University as well as necessary information for architectural services. *Selection of Architectural Firm* The above planning model will serve as a basis for the development of an RFP (Request for Proposal) for several pre-screened architectural firms to present their design concepts for the project. In addition to assisting in the development of an RFP, assistance will also be provided in the selection of the most qualified architectural firm. *Selection of Developer/Builder* Develop criteria for the selection of the most qualified developer/builder and to participate in the selection process. Here again, criteria will be developed to use as guidelines for the selection of the most qualified developer/builder. Several pre-screened developer/builder firms will be invited to present their proposals. Their proposals will in part be based on their response to the architectural drawings that will be provided to them and in part on selection criteria elements such as quality standards for materials and workmanship; estimates of completion deadlines and their history of completion deadlines; quality and cost factors; policy regarding change orders and other similar considerations. *Complete Marketing Program* Develop a complete marketing program starting with a) an initial press conference and future news releases and relationships with the media; b) develop a comprehensive marketing manual which set up the "ground rules" for the marketing effort; c) develop all brochures, ads, display materials and location of sales office; d) train and work with marketing staff; and e) work with legal department in producing a residency agreement. *Selection and Training of Management* Help select the best-qualified management firm for day-to-day operations or if it seems warranted, select and train appropriate university personnel for management duties. Since there really aren't many management firms that have managerial experience with this cutting edge type of community, it may be possible, for instance, to work with the Hospitality Program at the University to develop training modules for management personnel that may wish to specialize in the retirement housing arena. Assistance would be provided for such requirement as a) pre-opening managing and hiring stages up to 90% occupancy; b) managing post-90% occupancy; c) establishing operation budgets and reviews; d) staffing; and e) "ground rules" for maintaining the highest quality possible for delivering services to the client population. *Local Community Involvement* Help promote local community involvement including civic and elected leaders, local community service organizations and relevant others. *An Enabling Culture* Lastly, help assist the University in various and sundry ways in realizing the full potential of an enabling culture by developing programs and opportunities that integrate the mature residents into all facets of university life to the mutual benefit of both.


	New Models for Retirement COLLEGIATE Retirement Community Consultants National Center On Housing and Living Arrangements for Older Adults Taubman College of Architecture & Urban Planning The University of Michigan