New development proves transformative for a district—and demographic.
Reimagining what’s next in Raleigh for a district—and a generation—Oaks at Whitaker Glen is more than just a senior active living community. It’s the kind of place you’d want to live. “We don’t want this to be a place of retirement,” says PruittHealth Chairman & CEO Neil L. Pruitt Jr. “We want this to be a place of enjoyment.”
More than just a property, the high-end continuing care retirement community (CCRC) set to break ground this summer is a design 10 years in the making. Built with Raleigh in mind, it’s destination living—with an equity component (read: purchasing vs. typical lease)—not to mention luxe architecture and unprecedented public-facing elements that lean into the surrounding live/work/play lifestyle.
Also a game changer for Five Points East, “the location is second to none,” says Pruitt of the burgeoning stretch—enlivened by the likes of Ajja, Trophy’s upcoming Electric Supply Co. locale, and a potential shakeup at High Park Shopping Center (stay tuned). “We want to really integrate as an all-encompassing community hub.”
To wit, as a market first, the Oaks blends private and public selects—think green spaces, nature trails and a fine-dining restaurant, not to mention an old-timey open-to-the-public pharmacy with soda counter serving up grilled cheeses and burgers, natch.
“So you can have that private intimate luxury member experience, but with restaurants open to the community as well,” says Pruitt. “The whole idea of offering some of these public spaces is making it feel like home—a neighborhood. It’s the best of both worlds.”
Modern, elegant and innovative, the Oaks brings activity, independence and even regal Ritz-Carlton-esque touches via its designer collection of “distinctive homes.” Think gated independent-living community, assisted living selects and on-site health care—including a public-facing state-of-the-art skilled nursing and rehab center with memory care and posh first-of-their-kind all-private rooms.
Beyond healthful living, the Oaks merges communal spaces and stylish amenities with a plethora of state-of-the-art play–pickleball, putting green, pool (with bar + cafe), spa, bocce and beyond—playing into the very real idea that the next chapter doesn’t have to mean stillness or solitude. Inside ops also abound via billiards, classes, theater, art and beyond.
“We want to be different,” says Pruitt. “We want to target this population that really wants to be active, really wants to enjoy their community and really is still thriving, with the added safety of health care—which everybody wants.”
Ultimately, as the massive Boomer generation ages—hitting peak retirement age 65 this year—the retirement population is, well, booming, especially in Raleigh, per market demographics. Now, as people are living longer than ever, 55+ communities can mean three or four decades of living. That’s a lifetime—and one worth living.
“Raleigh’s a big market for us,” says Pruitt of the family-owned org’s longtime local health and wellness roots. And shaking up the market alongside the ranks of already popular (and waitlisted) properties like upscale The Cardinal, resort-inspired independent living community Overture and the upcoming luxe dual independent living and CCRC Hayes Barton Place, the Oaks serves to expand options for a growing lot of seniors looking to stay vibrant—and stay in Raleigh.
“We’ve really put a lot of time and effort into making sure this is perfect,” says Pruitt. “A lot of senior living options are outside the Beltline or inside-the-Beltline rental models—so we’re offering something really unique,” adding: “This project is our flagship product”—a benchmark they intend to duplicate in Gainesville, Athens, Charlotte and beyond. “The demand is out there. Folks want a different type of retirement… and we’re excited about it,” he says.
“We really consider this continuing a legacy,” Pruitt adds of the property they procured from longtime owners the Tomlinsons with the intent of remaining true to their vision and being true to Raleigh. … “I’m pretty passionate about this. So far, we’ve had tremendous response from the community, and we’re looking forward to breaking ground and getting started.” oaksatwhitakerglen.com
