The Spires at Berry College is a visionary Life Plan or Continuing Care Retirement Community, which opened in June 2020. Nestled on the campus of Berry College in Rome, Georgia, the site is known as “America’s most beautiful college campus.” The Spires is strongly connected to Berry College, with residents benefiting from its cultural and academic offerings in addition to students getting involved in community life. As a not-for-profit retirement community, The Spires is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of local business leaders.
FAQ
Questions about The Spires?
How large is The Spires at Berry College?
The Spires is sprawled over a 48-acre site on the banks of the 88-acre Eagle Lake – and beautifully placed in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. There are 170 independent living residences, 26 of which are free-standing cottage homes. Magnolia Place, the community’s healthcare center, includes assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation.
What does The Spires at Berry College offer that's different than my current residence?
At our community, you will find that you have less to worry about and more time to enjoy everything around you. Residents are surrounded by increased opportunities to get involved and convenient access to so many amenities. Plus, with our unique connection to Berry College, it’s easy to stay active and share experiences with those around you. And with all home maintenance and chores taken care of, you can relax and spend time as you wish and on your terms.
Why do people decide to live at The Spires and what are the benefits they like most?
Residents at The Spires know they’ll have access to quality services and first-class amenities to accommodate both their current and future lifestyle, preferences and needs. Our onsite assisted living, memory support, skilled nursing and other therapeutic and support services mean you don’t have to worry about the “what-ifs” of life. Planning for the future is less worrisome with this peace of mind, which in turn provides you with more time to do the things that matter most. Oftentimes, people feel this allows them to live longer, healthier and more satisfying lives.
What does Rome have to offer?
Built on seven hills like its namesake in Italy, Rome is famed for its three rivers, temperate climate and friendly, walkable downtown. The city’s features and attractions include:
- Kayaking the Coosa River
- Rome Emperors minor league baseball team
- Downtown Rome’s “First Friday Concert Series”
- Rome Symphony Orchestra
- The Annual Rome Shakespeare Festival
- Rome’s Own Musical Ensembles
- Rome Little Theatre productions
- Dining, shopping and nightlife on Broad Street in downtown Rome
- Two 18-hole golf courses
- Three major universities/colleges
- More physicians per capita in Floyd County than any other county in the U.S.
How does The Spires fit into the Berry College campus?
Berry College was founded in 1902 with the concept that students would work to maintain the school in exchange for their education. The college has since grown to more than 2,000 students and maintained its focus on hard work and community service. The Spires at Berry College comes as a natural addition and has provided an important intergenerational connection that benefits both residents and students alike. Residents of The Spires have a unique opportunity to embrace aspects of the college lifestyle by sitting in on classes, mentoring students and attending concerts, lectures, plays, sporting events and more; while students are able to serve in various roles and fulfill a variety of duties at The Spires.
Are there things to do in the area?
There’s no shortage of hiking and exploring to be done around The Spires – set on 27,000 acres of majestic woodlands, mountain trails and wilderness populated with a remarkable range of wildlife (including the world-famous Berry College eagles). Our community offers close proximity to Rome’s shopping, dining and world-renowned medical centers less than five minutes from the community. The Spires also provides a full slate of its own activities, including:
- Exercise classes and fitness instruction at our wellness center
- Pickleball
- Mentoring programs
- Hiking/biking groups
- Philosophy circles
- Religious discussion groups
- Concert and theater productions
- Art classes
- Organized game nights for Rumikub, card games and more
- Fishing and other lakeside recreation
What is included in the monthly fee?
The monthly fee is generally equal to or less than the monthly cost of living residents formerly paid in their homes before moving to The Spires, especially when considering the cost of all of the services, amenities and upkeep included. In addition to the comforts and convenience of our community, life at The Spires means saying goodbye to the cost of homeowner’s insurance, utility bills, property taxes, home maintenance, yardwork and all the headaches of homeownership.
Why is there an entrance fee?
The entrance fee model makes it possible for residents to enjoy the exceptional way of life at The Spires (meals, housekeeping, upkeep, utilities, enrichment, entertainment, etc.) as well as the assurance of multiple levels of care in the future at predictable costs. For independent living or current residents of The Spires, there is no additional entrance fee for relocation to health services. Residents entering health services from outside of The Spires will be responsible for paying a non-refundable community fee.
Are there tax advantages in moving to The Spires?
Residents of The Spires at Berry College may be eligible for a tax deduction associated with payment of the entrance fee and ongoing monthly fees. Tax laws are constantly evolving and always subject to interpretation, and recent legal precedents have been favorable for Life Plan retirement community residents who have sought to deduct portions of their fees.