Varcity Celebrates Groundbreaking on first university community at Purde, ushering in the retirement renaissance
Company ceremony on Oct. 14 marks first-of-its-kind University-Branded Retirement Community opening 2028
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind., Oct. 13, 2026 – Varcity announces the groundbreaking of Varcity at Purdue with an earth-moving ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 14, marking a milestone for the company's first University-Branded Retirement Community and a new model centered on lifelong learning and purpose beyond primary career years. Set in the Purdue University Discovery Park District, the 13.5-acre community will offer 239 rental residences for adults 55+ when it opens in summer 2028.
Developed in partnership with Purdue University and the Purdue for Life Foundation, Varcity at Purdue has already experienced its first big wave of depositing resident founders. The Varcity message resonating with retirees is that life, as designed, should be a lifelong ascent. As their primary careers conclude and the nest becomes empty, many are seeing the decades to come as an opportunity to live with intention, and build community with people who see the world the same way. As curiosity doesn't retire, vibrant college towns are becoming the ideal connection point to form these communities and university campuses are where curiosity, connection and purpose already thrive.
At Varcity, some of the most inspiring features include: a student ID, campus access, award-winning architecture and a suite of concierge wellness and healthcare services designed to support continued learning, connection and growth.
“Somehow it became normal to fade as we age. This generation of retirees is diff erent. A generation that rejected the norms at every stage of their life, is now approaching retirement diff erently. They're living, not fading and in pursuit of purpose and healthspan, not just lifespan, said Les Strech, founder of Varcity. “At Varcity at Purdue, our residents can be in a philosophy class at noon and at a tailgate that same weekend. This is the Retirement Renaissance. That renaissance looks like a retired CFO reviewing a student's business plan or a career musician working with a music major: these are the fl avor of opportunity we have designed Varcity around."
Members of the Founders’ Council get a front-row seat as the campus community takes shape and a ranked position for first choice of residences. Varcity began accepting deposits for founders approximately a year earlier than expected, and the average age of those on its waiting list is 67.
Long standing Purdue traditions that show up in the architecture include the Old Oaken Bucket, Senior Cords, Big Bass Drum and the most notable being the restoration of the famous campus Smokestack. Types of residences include villas, townhomes, stacked fl ats and concierge apartments with fl oor to ceiling windows, infl uenced by biophilic design.
The Varcity concierge app allows residents to access campus in the palm of their hand. The custom built app has the ability for residents to book tee times, register for a class, buy tickets to theater performances, reserve dinner reservations, book doctor appointments and transportation and more. With student internship opportunities spanning hospitality, dentistry, veterinary science, health and human science, nursing and nutrition, it’s easy to see Varcity is a community where multiple generations learn from one another, and where the best conversations in a week might happen in a lecture hall, over a shared meal or in the stands on game day.
Bringing the vision to life is a team with deep roots in building places people want to live. Varcity at Purdue is being co-developed by Carter, an Atlanta-based real estate investment and development company that has delivered multiple mixed-use developments across the country and completed projects on university campuses in excess of $4 billion, and designed by a collaborative partnership between Reach Architects and Gensler. Western States Lodging and Management will manage the community.
To learn more or join the Founders' Council, visit VarcityatPurdue.com.
ABOUT VARCITY
Varcity is developing the first University-Branded Retirement Communities that bring lifelong learning, wellness and intergenerational connection together. Built in partnership with iconic university brands, Varcity communities offer adults 55 and older the opportunity to live on campus with access to academic programs, athletics and fine arts and cultural experiences, alongside a personalized suite of concierge wellness and healthcare services.
Rooted in the belief that retirement is a new beginning, Varcity is ushering in a Retirement Renaissance that encourages residents to stay curious, engaged and connected while fostering meaningful relationships across generations. With communities underway at Purdue University and Texas A&M University, Varcity is creating a new model for retirement centered on increasing truth, purpose and belonging for its residents. Learn more at https://www.varcity.com/.
ABOUT CARTER
Carter is a real estate investment and development company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Since 1958, Carter has delivered transformative mixed-use and residential projects across the United States, with a focus on thoughtful design, strategic partnerships, and community-centered development. Known for landmark developments such as The Grounds in Winston-Salem, NC; Summerhill in Atlanta, GA; The Banks in Cincinnati, OH; City Springs in Sandy Springs, GA; and Highpoint on Columbus Commons in Columbus, OH. Carter combines decades of experience with a relationship-driven approach that delivers lasting value. Carter’s purpose is to make a diff erence by transforming communities and spaces so people can thrive. In 2025, Hunt Companies purchased a majority interest in Carter providing greater fi nancial depth and operational resources to the organization. For more information, visit https://www.carterusa.com.
ABOUT WESTERN STATES
Western States Lodging and Management is the partner and management group for Varcity campuses. As a relationship-fi rst organization, Western States develops, builds and manages assets in the hospitality, senior living and multifamily housing segments. Western States proudly manages 100+ properties on a simple philosophy: relationships fi rst, buildings second. Learn more at https://wslm.biz.