Yesterday, the Renaissance retirement community in Due West announced its intention to cease operations. Since that announcement, many members of the Due West and Erskine communities have asked about the future of the property and Erskine College’s potential involvement.
For many years, the Renaissance has been a valued neighbor and an important part of the Due West community. Its residents have participated in numerous campus events and have been welcomed as members of the Erskine family. We are grateful for the friendship we have shared over the years and recognize that this announcement marks a significant transition for residents, their families, and the employees who have served them.
Earlier this year, the property’s owners decided to sell the facility. Erskine submitted an offer to purchase the property, which was accepted. The college is currently completing its due diligence review, and if the property is found to be in satisfactory condition, a closing will be scheduled to complete the transaction.
The decision to cease operations was made by Renaissance and its ownership. Erskine did not make that decision and has not directed or established a timetable for residents to relocate. Decisions concerning resident care, relocation, and transition schedules remain the responsibility of Renaissance and its ownership. Questions regarding those matters should be directed to Renaissance administration.
If the purchase is completed, Erskine anticipates using the property to help meet the college’s long-term housing needs for students, faculty, and staff. Erskine will provide additional information if and when the transaction is completed.
Erskine values its longstanding relationship with the Renaissance community and recognizes the difficulty of this transition for those affected.