Bella Vida Voice – May 2026

A Note from our Executive Director, Brooks Powell
Despite the April (and early May) showers, there has been exciting progress on the construction site. Bella Vida is continuing to take shape, which should become even more evident as framing progresses on the second floor of the main building. Before too long, we expect the framing to reach the height of the elevator shafts that are visible from I-10. On the first floor, work is progressing on the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems for the apartments and common spaces. In the Villas, progress continues across the various residences. The framing team is active in this area, adding structure to the Villas. The construction team has also been working around rainy days to advance the road around the edge of our campus and through the Villas.
With the official start of our Director of Facilities, Jermain Owens, we are excited to have an extra set of eyes on the construction site. Jermain will learn from our construction partners at PARIC so that he and his team will be prepared to address the many facilities needs that exist in a community like Bella Vida. He will also work with Rachel to ensure that construction, personalization, and finishes proceed as we all expect.
We are excited to show you the progress in person in the coming weeks. For our Villa VIPs, slated to be the first official Residents at the Bella Vida community we held our initial bus tours of the site on May 8th (See below for pictures!). Our plan is to quickly follow these tours with additional opportunities for our VIPs from the main building to see the campus, too. For these first tours, we will stay on the bus and get a guided tour from our PARIC colleagues. This is based on the safety standards and requirements of the construction site. However, there will be opportunities to walk the grounds and your particular residence as we get closer to opening. Everyone will have the opportunity to personally visit their residence before closing.
We are excited for the next stages of construction and committed to providing great opportunities to learn more about your residence, the community as a whole, and what life at Bella Vida will look like.
Rachel’s Corner: Where in the World is Rachel?
If you’ve been wondering where I’ve been lately, the answer is… a little bit of everywhere.
Lately, I’ve been spending more time out in your homes than behind my desk, sitting at kitchen tables, walking through living rooms, and getting to know each of you as we talk through what this next chapter looks like. These visits are easily one of the best parts of my role. They give me the chance to see the life you’ve built and start talking through what comes next in a way that actually feels personal.
And when distance is a factor, we make it work. I’ve had some really great conversations over FaceTime, walking through homes together, talking through layouts, and mapping out ideas from miles away. It still gives us that time to connect, which is really what matters most. What’s stood out most to me isn’t just the homes themselves, but the thoughtfulness behind how everyone is preparing. I’ve seen rooms taped out on the floor to match the dimensions of a new space, just to truly understand how everything will fit. I’ve seen furniture labeled with measurements, carefully planned out ahead of time, so nothing is left to guesswork. Every approach looks a little different, and that’s exactly how it should be.
Every once in a while, this job takes me somewhere I never expected. But more than anything, these visits are about connection.
I know there can be some hesitation around scheduling a home visit, so I want to be really clear about what it is and what it isn’t. It’s not about me coming in and telling you what will or won’t work. If you want help with space planning, I’m always happy to do that, but that’s only one piece of it. This time is for you. Sometimes we’re measuring. Sometimes we’re planning. And sometimes we’re just sitting and talking through the transition itself.
There’s no pressure, no expectations, and no one right way to approach it. Just know I’m here for all of it, whether that’s in your home, over a screen, or somewhere in between. And if you’ve been thinking about scheduling a visit, I’d love to spend that time with you.
Sincerely,
Rachel
Looking Ahead to Move-In
As construction continues to make exciting progress at Bella Vida, many future residents are beginning to look ahead and plan for move-in. While timelines remain subject to change, current projections offer a general idea of when different apartment residences may be ready for closing and move-in opportunities.
Left Side Apartment Timeline: Late December 2026-January 2027 – earliest opportunity to close
Right Side Apartment Timeline: March-April 2027 – earliest opportunity to close
*Subject to change and based on current construction timelines
Meet Your Future Neighbors – John and Gracia
For John and Gracia, retirement hasn’t been about slowing down. It’s about seeing more of the world. Since retiring last year, they have rarely stayed in one place for long, traveling everywhere from Alaska and Iceland to Central Europe and along the Pacific Coast. Closer to home, they have explored destinations like New Orleans, Branson, and the Pacific Northwest, with a goal of spending at least one week each month on the road. For them, this season of life is all about going.
They are focused on what matters most, mapping out their next adventure and enjoying the freedom to come and go as they please. With upcoming trips to New Orleans and the Pacific Northwest via Colorado and Utah, along with an international trip on the horizon, they continue to make the most of every opportunity to explore.
As they look ahead to their move into Bella Vida, they are especially excited about the ease it will bring to their lifestyle. Without the responsibilities of home maintenance or concerns about security while traveling, they will be able to leave with confidence, knowing everything is taken care of and simply focus on where to go next.
Highlights From Our Recent VIP Events
Fiesta Social
Our Fiesta Social welcomed 52 VIP guests for a festive stop-by celebration filled with great food and lively energy. Attendees received their very own third annual Bella Vida Fiesta medal! The Information Center was beautifully decorated for the occasion, creating a fun and vibrant atmosphere for everyone who attended. Guests enjoyed margaritas, a delicious spread of quesadillas, tres leches cake, fajitas, chips, and salsa.
Bagels with Brooks
Our recent Bagels with Brooks event on April 24 was a great success. We welcomed 55 VIP guests across two sessions, and attendees enjoyed a delicious spread of bagels, donuts, and charcuterie. Brook shared the latest updates on move-in timelines and more.
Villa Roundtables
Our recent VIP information sessions welcomed 58 attendees across two engaging presentations. Scott Polzin, COO of Forefront Living, and Brooks Powell shared key updates, including the move-in timeline (*subject to change and based on current construction timelines), the Residency Agreement, the Resident Handbook, and the benefits of the early move-in program ahead of the Commons opening. Guests had the opportunity to ask questions and left feeling informed and excited as the availability of their new homes draws near.
Threads of Love


Guests enjoyed a meaningful presentation by Dee Giberson, chapter leader at Oak Hills Church, highlighting Threads of Love’s mission. This faith-based nonprofit brings comfort to families of premature babies by creating handmade clothing and care items through sewing, knitting, and quilting. Dee shared both the heart behind their work and the thoughtful process used to craft each item, while also displaying a beautiful assortment of pieces created by volunteers.
Villas Campus Bus Tour
Bella Vida Villa VIPs enjoyed an exclusive behind-the-scenes bus tour of the campus, offering a look at the incredible progress underway across the community. The community is really taking shape, and future residents experienced the excitement of seeing all the progress at Bella Vida, while learning more about what’s ahead in the months to come.
Our apartment VIPs will have the same opportunity soon, so stay tuned!
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!
Behind the Design: A Live Podcast with Tim Mallad + Social to Follow
May 14, 2026, 1:30 p.m., La Cantera Resort
16641 La Cantera Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78256
Join us for a live podcast recording featuring Tim Mallad and our interior designer, Bridget Bohacz, as they explore the inspiration behind Bella Vida’s design. As part of the conversation, Tim and Bridget will unveil a special painting, offering a first look at a piece that reflects the spirit and vision of the community.
Please note that there will be no entry or exit from 2:00-2:30, while filming is taking place. Attendees will be asked to silence their phones, and no flash photography will be allowed during the podcast.
Following the recording, enjoy a relaxed reception and happy hour at La Cantera Resort, from 2:30-4:00 p.m.
Behind the Scenes at Bella Vida
May 22, 2026, 9:30 a.m. or 1:00 p.m., Bella Vida Info Center
4 Dominion Dr, Building 3, San Antonio, TX
Get an exclusive look at the exciting progress taking place across the community. During this special event, our team will share the latest construction updates, new photos of the community, projected move-in timelines, and exciting news about recent hires and future plans. It’s a wonderful opportunity to stay informed, ask questions, and see how Bella Vida is coming to life.
VIP Social
June 18, 2026, 3-5 p.m., Bella Vida Info Center
4 Dominion Dr, Building 3, San Antonio, TX
VIPs whose last names begin with Q-Z are invited for a fun and engaging afternoon! Our neighborhood socials are the perfect chance to meet your neighbors, even before you become neighbors. Couples with different last names are welcome to attend together, even if only one of the last names falls within Q-Z.
Behind the Scenes at Bella Vida
June 26, 2026, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., Bella Vida Info Center
4 Dominion Dr, Building 3, San Antonio, TX
Join us for a behind-the-scenes update on everything happening at Bella Vida. During this session, we’ll walk through current construction milestones, share newly released photos, highlight anticipated move-in timelines, and introduce key team members shaping our future. It’s a great opportunity to get the latest details, connect with our team, and watch Bella Vida’s vision continue to take shape.


