An expansion of Vicar’s Landing has been in the works for nearly five years, and now it is about to become a reality.
Developers for the retirement community’s new campus, Vicar’s Landing at Oak Bridge, are expected to break ground early in 2021, with phase one construction beginning by mid-year.
“We’re really excited about where we are and what’s to come,” said CEO Bruce Jones.
Public enthusiasm for the project is very high. Even before Vicar’s Landing could begin marketing the expansion, word of mouth generated a strong waiting list.
“We have experienced a significant increase in demand in recent years and have a waiting list of more than 280 people,” Jones said. “Furthermore, factors such as the public health crisis of 2020 have likely heightened seniors’ desire for safety, security and access to high-quality health care. The Vicar’s Landing lifestyle provides this and so much more with our team’s exceptional service and numerous activities so residents can continue to live life to the fullest.”
Vicar’s Landing at Oak Bridge received approval from the state in October to officially begin the project.
More than 50% of the 76 residential units in phase one have already been sold. These represent a combination of cottages and apartment homes. Phase one, which will include a 21,000-square-foot clubhouse, is expected to be completed by June 2022.
Total build-out is expected to be complete by 2025, though Jones said the construction timeline would be compressed if the surge in demand continues.
In all, there will be 235 units in the gated community, including 175 for independent living, 42 assisted-living units and 18 memory-care units. Independent living units are available in duplex and triplex cottages with garages or in four-story apartment buildings over covered parking. They will range in size from about 1,400 to 2,400 square feet and will feature two bedrooms, a den and two or more bathrooms.
“The residential units at Vicar’s Landing at Oak Bridge will be slightly larger than on our existing campus, and the design will complement the area’s existing aesthetic,” Jones said. “Residents at both locations will have access to all of Vicar’s Landing’s convenient amenities, existing and forthcoming.”
The new campus will be located no more than half a mile from the existing one and will have nearly 30 acres of natural, undeveloped landscape. There will be a fitness center, card room, large village green area for outdoor games and a full-sized, heated swimming pool.
There will be transportation between campuses and some new dining options.
“We anticipate residents from the main campus going over to the Oak Bridge campus for dinner, for events, and vice versa,” Jones said.
The main campus has a fine-dining restaurant and a café. The new campus will offer a main dining room with the focus somewhere between these two, as well as a lounge area adjacent to the pool for tapas-style fare.
Residents of the new campus will have access to amenities on the flagship campus, which was founded more than 30 years ago. These include an auditorium, worship center, classes and other programming.
Vicar’s Landing offers access to skilled nursing care and a wellness clinic. Residents are enrolled in the Life Care benefit program, which provides not just a home, but meals, activities, security, transportation, housekeeping and maintenance.
“Anything they will need through the rest of their lives,” said Jones.
Entrance to Vicar’s Landing at Oak Bridge will be off State Road A1A, just north of Sawgrass Village.
The total project investment is $162 million, and the expansion campus will result in the creation of 100 permanent jobs.
“We’re just really excited about this project and being able to expand our reach to meet the demand that we have here in Ponte Vedra Beach,” said Jones.
For further information, go to vicarslanding.com.
