DUE WEST, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - Residents of The Renaissance, an assisted living and memory care community in Due West, were notified by letter Tuesday that the property would be sold and that they must vacate by Aug. 31, giving many seniors and their families about one month to find new housing.
Erskine College announced Wednesday that it is seeking to purchase the retirement community after Renaissance announced its intention to cease operations. The college said the decision to cease operations was made by Renaissance and its owners. The college said it submitted an offer that was accepted and is completing its due diligence review. If the property meets its requirements, the sale will move to closing.
Residents say they had no warning
For residents who call The Renaissance home, many of whom rely on assisted living or memory care, the short timeline has left families searching for answers.
Terrence Smith and his wife, Sandra, have lived at The Renaissance for more than two years. Sandra’s brother lives in the facility’s memory care unit.
“I couldn’t believe it. I mean, no warning at all,” Terrence Smith said. “Usually they should have given us warning — apparently they’ve been in talks for some time.”
Sandra Smith said the news was difficult to process.
“It was very sad because we are a family here. It’s like losing a family,” she said.
The couple said they were able to arrange placement for Sandra’s brother in another memory care facility, but they have not yet found a new home for themselves.
“It’s quite a shock with such short notice. We have a pet, and finding an apartment available that quickly — especially one that allows a dog — is difficult,” Terrence Smith said. “We haven’t found one yet that could take us before mid-September, and it’s causing a serious issue.”
Residents unaware of sale talks
Erskine College said discussions about a potential purchase began earlier this year. Residents said they were never told those talks were happening.
“I guess they wanted to keep the income coming in for them until they just could no longer — they had to let us know,” Sandra Smith said. “I think by law they had to let us know, and it’s just a hard business decision for them, and difficult for us.”
Terrence Smith said learning the timeline of negotiations added to the shock.
“They waited until it sold before they said anything. That’s shocking, really. That’s what it is,” he said.
Potential tax impact on county
According to Abbeville County property records, the 20.43-acre site at 18 Frank Pressly Drive carries a total market valuation of $5.47 million, with an assessed taxable value of $284,200. The Renaissance currently operates as a commercial, tax-paying business.
Erskine College is a tax-exempt educational institution. If the purchase is completed, the property’s tax status could change because Erskine is a tax-exempt educational institution, potentially reducing annual property tax revenue for local governments and school districts.
College outlines intended use
Erskine College said it has not directed or established a timetable for residents to relocate and that decisions regarding resident care and relocation remain the responsibility of Renaissance and its ownership.
The college said that if the purchase is completed, the facility will be used to meet its long-term housing needs for students, faculty and staff.
“Erskine values its longstanding relationship with the Renaissance community and recognizes the difficulty of this transition for those affected,” the college said in a statement.
Residents reflect on life at The Renaissance
Despite the uncertainty, Sandra Smith said she believes residents will manage the transition.
“We’re all, after the initial shock — these are people that are capable of moving on, and we will all be all right,” she said.
Terrence Smith said leaving the property will be difficult.
“I feed the deer and the birds in the back. It’s just terrific. It’s a paradise, really — you’re amongst the large oak trees and animals are everywhere,” he said. “The hope is that we can find a place that we will enjoy for the rest of our lives, because we thought this was it.”
Sandra Smith echoed that sentiment.
“This lovely setting among the trees, the quiet and nature, has been a great pleasure. I’m glad my husband and I have had this experience,” she said.
The Renaissance is owned by Ambriant. Representatives of The Renaissance declined to comment when contacted by FOX Carolina. Ambriant had not responded to requests for comment as of publication. No timeline has been announced for completing the sale.
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