There are moments in every community’s story that are marked not by growth, but by difficult, necessary change. Today, with heavy hearts and deep gratitude, we share one of those moments which the upcoming closure of the apartment residences at Ignite at Palmetto Park.

For years, these apartments have been more than just a place to live. They have been home. Within those walls, friendships were formed over shared meals, laughter echoed down hallways, and countless memories were made through quiet mornings with coffee, celebrations of life’s milestones, praying over residents and staff, and the comfort of knowing you were surrounded by a community that cared.

This decision did not come easily. In fact, it came only after weeks of tireless investigation, countless conversations, and an unwavering commitment from leadership to explore every possible path forward. The heart of Ignite Living has always been its people, residents and staff alike. Preserving that sense of home was at the forefront of every discussion.

However, the realities of the building itself presented challenges that could not be ignored.

During an extensive structural investigation, concerns were discovered within the floor joists located between the first and second floors of the apartment building. Over time, these joists had slowly loosened which is an issue impossible to detect previously because the affected areas were concealed behind drywall serving as both the first-floor ceiling and second-floor flooring. Engineers and contractors determined that the building would need to be completely vacant in order for the repairs to be properly and safely completed. Initial estimates for the structural repairs exceed $1 million, with costs expected to potentially rise as crews uncover additional areas of concern during construction.

At the same time, another major issue continued to escalate. The HVAC system, which had been replaced approximately seven and a half years ago, has steadily failed due to improper installation. After significant investigation, Ignite Living determined that the entire apartment HVAC system would require replacement at an estimated cost of approximately $12,000 room and totaling nearly $1.8 million. Combined, the projected repairs would exceed $3.5 million.

In previous years, Ignite Living operated with very little reserve funding. Through years of careful stewardship, hard work, and dedication, the organization successfully built stable reserves designed to protect the future of the community. However, utilizing those reserves for these repairs would place Ignite Living in an extremely vulnerable financial position, one that could jeopardize the organization’s long-term sustainability.

Compounding the challenge was occupancy. The apartment building currently sits at approximately 62% occupancy, due largely to the inability to safely occupy portions of the building affected by the structural concerns. With reduced rental income and rising operational expenses tied to the failing HVAC systems, Ignite Living could no longer continue operating the apartments at a growing monthly deficit.

Over the course of the past month and a half, CEO Shannon Watson and COO Sharalene Roper worked diligently to explore every possible solution. Meetings were held with engineers, contractors, lenders, consultants, senior housing operators, and community partners. Every avenue was investigated with one primary goal in mind: preserving the homes of residents and protecting the staff members who had become family..

After extensive investigation, Ignite Leadership presented several options to the Board of Trustees during a meeting held on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. The first option involved securing financing to complete the structural repairs and replace the HVAC systems so that operations could continue as usual. However, after discussions with multiple lenders, it became clear that no financial institution was willing to lend nearly $3.5 million for repair work on a building operating at only 62% occupancy and facing ongoing operational deficits.

A second option involved working with a reputable senior living owner interested in potentially purchasing and operating the building separately from Ignite Living. While one potential buyer showed preliminary interest, their operational model differed greatly from the existing Ignite community. Their proposed structure would involve income-based housing without food service, and due to funding timelines, renovations, due diligence, feasibility studies, and construction schedules, apartments would likely not become available again until January 2029 at the earliest.

Unfortunately, Ignite Living could not continue sustaining the operational losses required to wait through such an extended process. As of the afternoon of May 5, 2026, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to move forward with efforts to identify a potential future owner for the property while also making the heartbreaking decision to cease apartment operations effective July 31, 2026.

Residents were informed during a deeply emotional town hall meeting led by Shannon Watson and Sharalene Roper. During the meeting, leadership transparently shared the structural discoveries, the extensive investigations that followed, and the difficult realities facing the organization. Residents and managed service staff were provided a more than 60-day notice period, allowing time for transition planning while also honoring the dignity and care each person deserved during this process.

Although this chapter is ending, the commitment to residents and staff has remained unwavering.

Apartment residents were given opportunities to meet individually with two trusted senior placement organizations, Senior Provisions and Assisted Living Locators. Working alongside Ignite Living leadership and local Executive Director, Matthew Galyon, these partners provided detailed presentations and slide decks featuring communities with similar environments, amenities, and price points to help residents identify future homes that would feel comfortable, familiar, and supportive. Understanding that relocation carries both emotional and financial burdens, Ignite Living also ensured that every apartment resident received their full security deposit back to help support their move into a new home.

Cottage residents were also thoughtfully supported through the transition. While dining services will no longer remain an amenity after the apartment closure, residents received comprehensive FAQs outlining alternative dining options and resources to assist with the adjustment. Ignite Living further worked closely with local senior living communities to advocate for employment opportunities for the beloved dining and housekeeping staff employed through the managed services partner. A variety of resources and solutions were offered to the managed service staff to ensure their transition would be as seamless as possible. Ignite Living leadership went above and beyond and recognized two legacy employees, who had dedicated many years of service to Ignite Living prior to employment under managed services. The two legacy employees were additionally honored with retirement support, a reflection of the organization’s deep gratitude and respect for the individuals who helped shape this community over the years.

 And while this chapter closes, Ignite Living’s story does not end here.

The cottages at Ignite at Palmetto Park will remain open and continue serving residents in a vibrant, connected, and caring environment. In fact, this difficult transition positions Ignite Living for a stronger and more sustainable future. With the apartments closed, occupancy rates across the remaining community will solely be focused on the cottages and rise significantly. Ignite Living will be positioned with greater stability and stronger opportunities for future cottage growth and expansion.

As in the past, Ignite Living will continue to celebrate the holistic approach to longevity living and the 8 Dimensions of Wellness and rooted in a deep abiding commitment to the Christian faith. 

What emerges from this painful season is not simply loss. it is resilience, responsibility, and hope.

Ignite Living made this decision not because the community lacked heart, but because leadership cared deeply enough to protect its future and quality of life for those they serve. The goal has always been to preserve the mission, safeguard long-term sustainability, and continue serving seniors with dignity, compassion, and excellence for years to come.

To every resident who called the apartments home, and to every employee who poured their love and energy into this community: thank you. Your stories, friendships, kindness, laughter, and memories are forever woven into the fabric of Ignite at Palmetto Park.

That legacy will live on.

This is not simply goodbye. It is a transition, one guided by compassion, carried with dignity, and rooted in hope for what comes next.