Bella Vida Voice – July 2025
A Season of Progress, Purpose, and Personal Touches
Summer is in full swing, and so is the momentum at Bella Vida! From construction updates, such as concrete columns rising on-site, to the connections growing within our community, this summer season is all about building!
First of all, we’ve got so much exciting news to share that we’re switching to a monthly newsletter, so be on the lookout for the Bella Vida Voice mid-month, every month!
In this month’s issue of the Bella Vida Voice, get a sneak peek at construction site progress, personalization insights from Rachel, meet VIP Chuck Rodriguez – your future neighbor, and celebrate the events that continue to bring our community to life.
Construction Update
Bella Vida is officially going vertical! Concrete structures are now underway at the apartment homes building with piers, grade beams, walls, and columns taking shape. Excavation work continues as crews mill rock and prepare the site for further development. Utility installation is progressing steadily, and electrical infrastructure pathways will begin soon, now that the design is complete.
Rachel’s Corner
Guidance, Updates, and a Personal Touch for Your Journey to Bella Vida
Dear Future Neighbors,
With the personalization process well underway, I want to take a moment to share a few helpful updates and reminders that may assist you as you prepare for your upcoming appointments. My goal is to make this process approachable, transparent, and as enjoyable as possible.
I’m grateful to be part of your journey to Bella Vida and look forward to helping you create a space that feels like home from the very beginning.
Sincerely,
Rachel McGowan
Personalization/Move-in Coordinator
210-641-5549 | 945-225-3302 rmcgowan@forefrontliving.org
Personalization Office – Friday Come and Go Hours Now Available from 2-4 p.m.
I’ve received several questions about stopping by to preview samples ahead of scheduled appointments. I’m pleased to announce Friday “Come and Go” Hours, now available each week from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. During this time, you’re welcome to explore the space at your own pace, review samples, and ask general questions. No formal appointment isnecessary. These hours are designed to help you feel more confident and prepared for your official selection meeting.
Outdoor Ceiling Fan Option
Another frequent question has been about the ability to install ceiling fans on balconies and patios. I’m happy to share that junction boxes have now been added as a standard feature to all apartment home balconies and patios. This allows for a ceiling fan to be selected during the upgrade process. To maintain a cohesive look across the community, a single standardized fan style will be offered for this option.
Timeline Updates
We have just wrapped up MEP appointments for the first-floor apartment homes. Once we complete those steps, we will start Finish Selections for Villa residences in mid-July. If you are scheduled for either of these steps and have questions or would like to prepare in advance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
As a reminder, both MEP and Finish Selections are entirely optional. Bella Vida offers these appointments as a courtesy to provide you with flexibility and personalized options, but participation is optional. If you choose not to take part in one or both phases, you can simply sign a waiver instead. We aim to support you throughout this process without overwhelming you.
A Note from a Fellow VIP
“Rachel, thank you so very much for making our finishing selections so easy! I had worried about the process, but your knowledge, experience, and kindness made it fun and easy. The way you’ve set up your office with natural light and all the samples displayed so you can actually work with them to design your color scheme is so helpful.” — Kandy Campbell
Meet Your Neighbor: Chuck Rodriguez
Our own retired U.S. Army Major General Chuck Rodriguez, who, along with his wife, is one of our future residents, was recently featured on the At the Forefront podcast with Neil Foote. Chuck shared heartfelt reflections on what drew him to Bella Vida, including the sense of purpose and community he immediately felt. With a life shaped by service and leadership, he brings both humility and wisdom to every conversation. We are honored that he has selected Bella Vida for the next chapter of his journey, and we eagerly look forward to you getting to know him as well.
Check out the latest At the Forefront podcast episode here.
How to Get a Jump on Right-Sizing Without Spending a Dime
There’s nothing better than sharing the Bella Vida lifestyle with the people you care about most, but did you know there’s an added bonus when you do? If you refer someone and they become a VIP, when you both move in, you’ll receive a one-time $3,500 credit toward your service fee.
As a special thank you for your referrals made in July, we will provide you with a gift card for six hours of consultation with Peggy Brown and the Generations Team. You can use this consultation to assist with your right-sizing efforts and make your move smoother. Use this service to help identify items to keep, donate, or discard; to clear out the junk drawer (or closet) that may have become overwhelming; or to coordinate donation pickups and drop-offs.”It’s our way of saying thank you for helping us grow the Bella Vida community with neighbors you already know and love. Call or email Nathan so we can reach out to invite your referrals to our next event.
Bella Vida Frequently Asked Questions – Answers from the CFO Edition
In each edition of our newsletter, we share Frequently Asked Questions that come directly from you!
How does the $72,000 healthcare benefit work?
Residents may receive a credit of up to $3000 per month for 24 months per person, should they need support services (for example, medication management or other “activities of daily living”) delivered to their villa or apartment home, OR should they move to Bella Vida’s
memory support neighborhood. We are partnering in a joint venture with a San Antonio company to provide what we call “Empowered Living.” Last month, we launched this service at PVN, Bella Vida’s sister community, and the response has been very positive. We believe that just because you need a little help, you don’t need to pack up and move. We will be scheduling a VIP educational session to review this program, so watch your newsletter for a save-the-date announcement.
As a brand-new community, how financially strong is Bella Vida?
It is important to remember Forefront Living’s history, governance, leadership, and operating philosophy. We closely track key performance indicators (KPIs), including maintaining 885 days of cash on hand at stabilized occupancy, a debt service coverage ratio of 1.75, and $41.6 million in cash reserves. READ MORE
Which contract type is the most common at Bella Vida?
The Legacy Plan, which is 80% (couples)/85% (singles) refundable, is the most popular. We expect that about 70% of residents will choose the Legacy Plan, which provides estate protection by allowing them to gift to adult children, other family members, or a preferred charity. VIPs who wish to reduce the entrance fee amount paid or the monthly service fee amount paid may choose the Choice Plan (50% or 55% refundable) or the Traditional Plan (0% refundable). Bella Vida’s financial model includes a limited number of these alternate contracts.
Why choose a nonprofit entrance fee community over a for-profit rental community?
At Bella Vida, there is no profit motive to raise monthly service fees. The community reinvests excess revenues to benefit its residents. With the payment of the entrance fee, typically, the ongoing monthly service fees are lower than those of a for-profit rental community. There is also less likelihood of a change in ownership. Additionally, Forefront Living believes in financial transparency and maintains open communication with its residents. And once approved for residency, residents will not be asked to leave should they outlive their financial resources.
How does the entrance fee work, and under what circumstances is it refunded?
The terms of the entrance fee refund are outlined in the Residency Agreement. The refunds are paid to residents or their estates in queue order upon the next resale of a like residence. Bella Vida’s sister community in Dallas, Presbyterian Village North, has a lengthy waiting list, and refunds are typically paid within about 60 days. Forefront Living has never failed to pay a refund due to a resident.
Are there any tax benefits from living at Bella Vida?
For those who itemize for medical deductions, there can be a deduction in the year you pay your entrance fee and ongoing thereafter, for the payment of monthly service fees. Each January, an independent third-party auditor will provide Bella Vida with the percentage of deductions, based on contract type. We recommend that residents consult with a tax advisor once the auditor’s statement is available.
Highlights From Our Recent VIP Events
Personalization Finishes Seminars With Bridget Bohacz
Bella Vida welcomed VIPs to a special Design Finishes Seminar hosted by interior designer Bridget Bohacz on June 3 and 4 at the Eilan Hotel. Bridget guided attendees through the curated finishes available at Bella Vida, helping each guest envision the style and feel of their future home. Each participant received a personalized Design Finishes Workbook to take home, making it easy to start planning with confidence.
Neighborhood VIP Social: 4th and 5th Floors
Residents enjoyed a fun 4th and 5th Floor Neighborhood Social on June 19th. It was a wonderful mix of new faces and familiar ones. Brand-new VIPs joined the festivities and quickly connected with their seasoned future neighbors. Jeff Cook and Mary Fay were just one of many pairs who discovered they’ll soon be living across the hall from one another. It was a relaxed and low-key gathering that provided everyone with an opportunity to mingle, share stories, and form new friendships.
Highlights From Our Recent Thrive Series Events
At Bella Vida, we believe in fostering creativity, connection, and lifelong learning—because thriving means embracing new experiences at every stage of life. Check out our Save the Dates area for more exciting Thrive Series events coming soon! Join us next time, we’d love to have you!
Bella Vida Thrive Series: Estate Planning for Future Unknowns
On May 23, Bella Vida hosted Thrive: Estate Planning for Future Unknowns, led by esteemed attorney Peter Parenti. VIPs enjoyed an engaging and informative presentation focused on the critical distinctions between estate planning during one’s lifetime and after passing. Following the session, attendees enjoyed a delicious lunch, as well as the opportunity for one-on-one conversations with Mr. Parenti, who generously spent time with each VIP to answer questions and provide guidance.
Bella Vida Thrive Series: Caring Cards for Dads
VIP Gayle Turner hosted a card-making event on June 9 focused on honoring fathers in the local community. Attendees gathered to create custom cards for Dads receiving support through the Bulverde/Spring Branch Senior Center’s Meals on Wheels program. VIPs thoughtfully assembled and personalized the cards, helping spread kindness and connection just in time for Father’s Day.
Bella Vida Thrive Series: Paws & Patterns: Crafting Comfort for Shelter Pets
On June 25th, San Antonio Pets Alive visited Bella Vida to share their mission and highlight the importance of education in improving the lives of pets across our community. VIPs had the chance to meet a puppy and an adult dog, resulting in a lot of puppy snuggles. Following the presentation, attendees crafted cozy fleece blankets, which will be donated to shelter dogs in need.
Save the Date for This Upcoming Event
Mark your calendars for this exciting event exclusively for our Bella Vida VIPs. Stay tuned for invitations with more details on each event coming soon to your inbox or mailbox!
Neighborhood VIP Social: 6th Floor
July 17, 2025, from 4 – 6 p.m., Bella Vida Information Center
If you’ve reserved an apartment home on the sixth floor, this event is just for you! Join your future neighbors for a fun evening of camaraderie and connection.
