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 currently being constructed at the apartment building, with piers, grade beams, basement/garage 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 is necessary. 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 or after move-in. 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. I am currently scheduling MEP appointments for the second-floor apartment homes, as well as some Finishes appointments for the villas. 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 Forefront Living Board Chairman Neil Foote. Chuck shared heartfelt reflections on what drew him to Bella Vida. He specifically mentioned 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. 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 complimentary six-hour pre-move session from Generations Team – San Antonio’s trusted senior move management experts. This session is designed to help you get started early, reduce stress, and make your future move easier. It’s our way of saying thank you for helping us grow the Bella Vida community with neighbors you already know and love. Call (210) 660-5558 or email Nathan so we can reach out to invite your referrals to our next event. Want more information on the RightSize Rewards program? Click here.
Helping the Hill Country Flood Victims
This month, thanks to our referral program that ran late last year, Bella Vida was able to make a meaningful donation at just the right time. We encouraged our VIPs to refer friends and family, and for every completed appointment, we contributed $100.
The result was a timely donation that supported the packing of hundreds of boxes filled with easy-to-open, nonperishable food for those affected by recent flooding. It was inspiring to see so many volunteers come together for this cause. Groups from USAA and Frost Bank joined the effort, and generous donations poured in from across the country to help fund these much-needed care packages.
Although our team didn’t participate in the packing itself, we were proud to deliver the check and witness the compassion and collaboration in action.
Bella Vida Frequently Asked Questions – Answers from the CFO
In each edition of our newsletter, we share Frequently Asked Questions that come directly from you!
As a brand-new community, how financially strong is Bella Vida?
At Bella Vida, your future is supported by more than just a vibrant lifestyle and beautiful surroundings. Our strength is rooted in Forefront Living’s proven history, responsible governance, and mission-driven leadership. As part of a nonprofit organization with decades of experience in senior living, Bella Vida is backed by the kind of financial stability that brings peace of mind.
We carefully track key performance indicators, 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. Choosing Bella Vida means your investment is supported by a legacy of excellence, expert partners, and a long-term commitment to resident-centered care. Read more about our dedication to financial stability here.
Which contract type is the most common at Bella Vida?
The Legacy Plan, which is 80% (couples)/85% (singles) refundable, is our most popular contract. Bella Vida offers the opportunity for any future residents who do not have the Legacy plan to switch to this plan at any time prior to move-in. We expect that approximately 70% of residents will choose the Legacy Plan by the time of move-in, which provides estate protection by allowing them to gift assets to adult children, other family members, or a preferred charity. VIPs who wish to reduce the entrance fee or 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. 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 the order they are in the queue upon the next resale of a like residence. Bella Vida’s sister community in Dallas, Presbyterian Village North, has a lengthy waiting list. Their 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. She helped 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’d 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. They also had 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 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!
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. If you are a recent VIP or if you have been unable to attend your neighborhood gathering, please feel free to RSVP to this event by calling or emailing Nathan.
Bella Vida Development Update
August 14, 2025, 2 p.m., Webinar
Meet a few of the professional partners bringing Bella Vida to life, including representatives from three (architecture), Bridget Bohacz & Associates (design consultant), PARIC (construction contractor), and Greystone (development). We’ll save time for questions at the end. We will record the webinar, so if you’re unable to attend it live. We will email you a link to watch it at your leisure after the presentation. Call or email Nathan, or click here to RSVP to this exciting event.
