News

Carolina Village plans to add 60 apartments, new amenities

Carolina Village has supported the Henderson County Hunger Walk since 1985, even creating its own mini-walk and fundraiser. Last year, the Carolina Village walk, in conjunction with FernLeaf Community Charter School, raised $47,105 for the Henderson County Hunger Coalition.

By Lightning Reports, Published: March 19, 2026

Carolina Village has plans to add 60 new independent living residences and numerous new and improved amenities on three acres of its 98-acre campus, the lifecare community announced this week.

Subject to the Hendersonville City Council's approval, the plans include the dwellings ranging from 1,100 sq. ft. 1-bed, 1-bath units to 1,873 sq. ft. 2-bed, 2.5-bath apartments with dens, with covered parking and EV charging available. In addition, a proposed community meeting space would include a 4,530 sq. ft. multipurpose entertainment space for group activities, with seating for approximately 400. An 1,180 sq. ft. dedicated wellness and gym space is expected to offer a sauna, treatment and massage therapy room, locker rooms with showers, rooftop terrace with mountain views, and parking for vehicles and golf carts.

"The details of this proposal are subject to change, but the goal will remain to serve retirees by offering independent living options and increased wellness amenities," Carolina Village said in a news release. 

If approved, construction on the expansion project would begin in mid-2027 and last approximately two years.

With a growing waiting list, Carolina Village aims to expand its services to meet the needs of the expanding retiree population while utilizing and expanding the current infrastructure of Carolina Village. With the majority of residents coming directly from Henderson County, the expansion is intended to serve the greater community.

“We are excited to create new independent living opportunities for those who want to be part of the Carolina Village community,” said Kevin Parries, president and CEO of Carolina Village. “This project also allows us to take a fresh look at our entire campus and make meaningful updates that will benefit current residents and all those who will join us in the years ahead.”

The public is invited to attend a neighborhood compatibility meeting at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, at City Hall. During this meeting, Carolina Village administration will respond to questions from community members. The development application seeks to rezone the campus along Carolina Village Road from Planned Residential Development Conditional Zoning District to Urban Village Conditional Zoning District.

On March 2, Carolina Village purchased two acres of land on Clear Creek Road that abuts its campus. While the property is included in the rezoning request, it is not anticipated to be used for this project.

Currently, Carolina Village is home to 550 residents and employs 390 staff members. During its most recent – and largest – expansion that opened in 2019, Carolina Village welcomed 160 residents in 54 “Clear Creek” cottages and 36 “Smoky Mountain” apartments. Its Medical Center (skilled nursing facility), which offers available suites to the public for recuperation, re-opened after a phased full renovation in 2023.

In late 2024, Carolina Village purchased the property located at 1411 Asheville Hwy., formerly known as The Opportunity House. Plans for that property do not include residences. Instead, it will focus on a range of community services for all ages. Carolina Village is still working with community partners to explore options for that property.

Since opening in 1974, Carolina Village has served Henderson County and WNC residents. The original idea for Carolina Village came from one local woman, Mignon Sullivan, in the 1960s. Local businesspeople recognized the idea’s value and worked tirelessly for a decade to make Carolina Village a reality.

The current Carolina Village board of directors – all of whom live and/or work in Henderson County – has been working for over two years to update the campus master plan. The master plan improves existing buildings and creates space for future generations to retire in the comfort of their own homes while also offering top-rated healthcare on the same campus at very minimal additional cost.

Carolina Village, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025 and is Hendersonville’s only Type-A Life Care Continuing Care Retirement Community/Life Plan Community. It offers seniors the full continuum of care – from independent living to assisted living and skilled nursing – on its 98-acre campus.