Bella Vida Voice – December 2025

As we close out the year, Bella Vida continues to take shape, not just through progress on site but through the connections, conversations, and shared moments that are already defining our community. This month’s update highlights both the visible milestones and the meaningful experiences happening along the way, from behind-the-scenes construction insights to gatherings that bring future neighbors together. It’s a season of reflection, planning, and momentum. We’re excited to share what’s unfolding now and what lies ahead as Bella Vida comes to life.

 Construction Update

This month, we wanted to give you a closer look at what’s happening on site. We sat down with Nick Crissey, Senior Project Manager at PARIC, to discuss the unexpected details of construction and the milestones bringing Bella Vida to life.

1. What’s one thing about Bella Vida’s construction that most people won’t notice, but will absolutely feel?

The site has roughly 120 feet of elevation from the main courtyard to the main entrance. This will allow the sky lounge and 6th-floor residents to experience an 18-story view from a 6-story building of the beautiful Texas Hill Country.

2. Has anything surprised you as the site has taken shape?

When the project is complete, we will have over 2 miles of retaining walls. This will total over 2 acres of square footage. The site grade changes are amazing as we carve this project into the “mountain”.

3. What is the biggest “unseen” challenge in a project of this scale that most people would never guess?

Each resident’s desire and willingness to customize their homes has already led to over 2,500 additional options, and the list is still growing!

4. Is there a detail you’re personally proud of that might fly under the radar for others?

The whole team from Forefront, Greystone, PARIC, and all the way to the trade partners has taken this community to heart. Everyone continues to work together to create the best outcome and finished product for the future residents.

5. What upcoming milestone are you most excited about, and why is it essential to the overall timeline?

Starting wood framing is set to begin before the end of the year. The site will really begin to take shape. The most noticeable features will be the buildings and the road framing, as well as those from the aerial photos. This is key to the team starting to double our workforce and begin work that the community can really see.

The December edition seems like a great opportunity to talk about the importance of community.  The Holiday season is traditionally a time of bringing people together.  So many of my fondest memories from this season are of being surrounded by family in San Antonio and Houston. And that same sentiment can certainly be seen in the songs and movies that are featured this time of year.  Whether it’s the familiar lyrics of “I’ll be home for Christmas,” or the townspeople coming together to uplift George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life, our media reflects what has long been reality: the holiday season is a time of fellowship and community.

At Bella Vida, the team will provide many great amenities and services. Yet, I would argue that one of the main benefits of Bella Vida will be the sense of community among its residents. One of the things I love most about CCRC communities is that genuine connections and deep friendships develop among residents. Everyone’s experience is unique. But each resident is surrounded by people in a similar stage of life – going through many of the same milestones, joys, and challenges. When you do life together, connections form naturally and quickly.

We’ve already seen early examples of this from the various socials and events that have connected VIPs throughout this year, including the recent Holiday celebration at the Veranda. It was a joy to see so many VIPs gathered to celebrate the season together. The continued growth of that sense of community is one of the things that I’m most excited to see as we begin to open Bella Vida this coming year. 

In the meantime, the Bella Vida team and I wish you and all those you hold dear a joyful holiday season.

As we wrap up 2025, I wanted to share a few updates along with a heartfelt wish for a peaceful holiday season and a bright start to the new year. However you celebrate, I hope this time brings fun, rest, joy, and moments that feel meaningful to you.

The final Friday Office Hours of the year will be December 19. Friday Office Hours will return on January 9. I’ll be available outside of those hours as usual, so please feel free to reach out if you need anything in the meantime.

Early next year, we will be approaching the final stretch of personalization. My calendar is open, and if you have not yet scheduled your appointment with me, I would love to meet with you. This meeting is a bonus for reserving early, not an obligation. If a waiver or choosing directly from a design board fits your schedule better, those are great alternatives. My goal is to support you in whatever way works best for you and your timeline.

As we look ahead to 2026 and my transition into offering home visits, I am continuing to grow our resource library for all things related to rightsizing and moving. I have been meeting with wonderful local partners who specialize in everything from organizing to packing to thoughtful downsizing support. I am excited to expand our list of vetted resources and cannot wait to share recommendations to your individual needs.

For a little fun as we close out the year, I am offering a December Rightsize Challenge. Choose one small space, either the coat closet or the junk drawer, and give it a quick refresh. It is a simple task that can make the whole home feel lighter. Plus, it is a great way to head into 2026 with a small but satisfying victory already checked off the list. I’d love to see your before and after pictures!

I look forward to the new year ahead and the exciting moments it will bring for our Bella Vida community.

All walk-in closets at Bella Vida come with automatic occupancy-sensor lighting. That means no switches to reach for. The lights turn on and off as you enter and exit. Many floor plans also feature these sensors in secondary closets, laundry areas, and select storage rooms, adding convenience throughout your home. For specific locations on your plan, please contact Rachel.

Your enthusiasm for the 10 & 10 program has been amazing. Thank you for referring your friends to Bella Vida!  Due to the incredible response, we are pleased to extend the promotion by an extra month. If the friend/family member you refer also becomes a VIP by January 31, 2026, you and your referral will receive $10,000 off your entrance fee when you both move in! We look forward to meeting your friends and welcoming them to the community you love so much. Please contact your Senior Living Advisor at 210-660-5558 for details.

Henry, Pat, Anne and Chip at the Window at Chisos Basin in Big Bend National Park

One of the special things about the 10 & 10 program is the opportunity to choose the people you’ll share day-to-day life with. Henry and Pat recently referred their longtime neighbors, Chip and Anne. The couple lived down the street from them for 20 years. And now, both couples are Bella Vida VIPs and are looking forward to being neighbors once again, with one couple on the 5th floor and the other on the 6th floor. This month, they’re even setting off on a five-day Caribbean cruise together. It’s a wonderful example of how planning ahead can mean moving forward with people you already know and trust.

Bella Vida Holiday Celebration at The Veranda

Our annual Holiday celebration was a warm and festive celebration of community! The Veranda’s signature castle façade, courtyard, and lush gardens created a beautiful backdrop for the event. VIPs enjoyed mimosas and other drinks, along with hors d’oeuvres, before gathering for lunch. During the program, Kelly King from the San Antonio Food Bank shared heartfelt reflections on the impact of Bella Vida’s ongoing donations. Afterwards, Tim Mallad offered a lighthearted story from his early days in senior living and reflected on the exciting momentum ahead. Brooks Powell closed with new construction photos and a preview of upcoming events.

As part of our continued commitment to community giving, guests brought food items for the San Antonio Food Bank. Each VIP left with a holiday candle gift bag, and several white poinsettia centerpieces found new homes by the end of the afternoon. It was a joyful, meaningful way to usher in the season together.

Save the Date for These Upcoming Events

Mark your calendars for these exciting events exclusively for our Bella Vida VIPs. Stay tuned for invitations with more details on each event coming soon to your inbox or mailbox!

As a follow-up to our previous healthcare benefits webinar in Sept. we invite you to join Joni Watson with Forefront Living and Cassie Nicolas with Empowered Living for a deeper look at the Empowered Living program.

This session marks the second in the Bagels with Brooks series, offering Bella Vida VIPs updates on the community and time for questions and discussion.