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WNC Business

Carolina Village Plans Expansion to Meet Needs of Local Retirees

Mar 18, 2026 02:08PM ● By WNC Business
Carolina Village hopes to add 60 new independent living residences and a host of new and improved amenities on 3 acres of its 98-acre campus, subject to the results of a rezoning request and City Council approval.

The proposed residences are expected to range from 1,100 sq. ft. 1-bed, 1-bath apartments 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.

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, this 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 on Apr. 1 at 2:00 p.m. in the City Hall (160 6th Ave E, Hendersonville) 2nd Floor Conference Room. During this meeting, Carolina Village administration will welcome questions from community members.

Since Carolina Village was originally zoned, requirements have changed, making rezoning necessary. Therefore, Carolina Village has asked the City of Hendersonville to rezone its campus along Carolina Village Rd. from Planned Residential Development Conditional Zoning District to Urban Village Conditional Zoning District.

On Mar. 2, Carolina Village purchased 2 acres of property on Clear Creek Road that abuts its campus. While this 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.

Source: Carolina Village.