Presbyterian Village Athens Preparing to Open

Presbyterian Village Athens, the area’s first Life Plan Community, is nearly complete and will begin welcoming its first residents in early 2021. The much-anticipated opening of the $143 million community is happening right in the middle of a worldwide pandemic that is impacting the senior population more than anyone else. Despite this challenge, Presbyterian Village is in high demand with area seniors, with only 35 of the 216 independent living residences still available. The strong demand led the community to add additional residences beyond the original construction plan.

“Over the last few months, we’ve experienced many changes, but it was always important to us and our future residents to keep moving forward,” said Cameron Honeycutt, the executive director of Presbyterian Village Athens. “The uniqueness of this nonprofit senior living community in this area has been a huge differentiator for our residents. Because of these options, we’ve seen a great deal of interest from area seniors and their families.”

Presbyterian Village Athens is being constructed on 70 acres at 8021 Macon Highway near the intersection of Highway 441 and Hog Mountain Road. Presbyterian Village Athens partnered with Augusta-based RW Allen Construction to execute the project. Once open, Presbyterian Village Athens will consist of 103 cottages, 12 villas and 100 apartment homes for Independent Living. There will also be an additional 100 residences for Assisted Living, Memory Support, Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation on the campus.

Presbyterian Village Athens is expected to help fill a crucial senior services gap in Oconee County. According to a recent report by the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 6,000 people living in Oconee County have already reached age 65 and older, a number that will continue to climb as the Baby Boomers age. This project will provide more options and amenities, as well as meet the changing desires of the newest generation of seniors.

“Presbyterian Village Athens is sure to be a beautiful community with a rich culture of people,” said Honeycutt. “We’re not surprised residences are filling up so quickly. Future residents have been inviting their friends to come here and live. It’s going to be a community that feels more like a family.”

Like many communities, Presbyterian Village Athens will be reinforcing extra precautions in this time of COVID-19. This includes limiting access to the community, conducting temperature checks, and installing a Plasma Air ionization system. The technology aims to help protect seniors and the Presbyterian Village Athens team members from airborne viruses. The system will be located in the areas that house all of the amenities and healthcare rooms.

Future residents, including Tony and Anne Marie Miller, say safety protocols have been top of mind for them as they prepare for their upcoming move into the community. “We know that Presbyterian Village Athens is taking the necessary precautions to keep everyone safe,” said Anne Marie Miller. “They’ve been keeping us all informed on developments. I know we can’t wait to be a part of the community, make new friends and enjoy the maintenance-free lifestyle.”

Presbyterian Village Athens residents will enjoy an active, independent lifestyle with a number of amenities that will be available to residents, including walking trails, a fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, an indoor saltwater pool, pub and billiards room, hair salon, and multiple dining venues.