University Place, a Franciscan Ministries Senior Living Community, Expands Its Legacy of Care

Guided by Living Joyfully and Expanding for the Future

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN, UNITED STATES, August 17, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — University Place, a Franciscan Ministries community sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago, is embarking on a transformative campus expansion that will introduce 62 new independent living residences, a vibrant Town Center and enhanced amenities designed to meet the evolving expectations of today’s older adults while strengthening its commitment to exceptional care, wellness and meaningful connection.

Situated on a picturesque 71-acre campus adjacent to the Celery Bog Nature Area, University Place offers residents a unique blend of natural beauty, walking trails and peaceful surroundings in the heart of the West Lafayette area. Guided by Franciscan Ministries’ philosophy of Living Joyfully and its mission to Celebrate Life and Serve with Joy, the expansion represents a strategic investment in the future of senior living – creating welcoming spaces where residents can embrace purposeful living with the confidence of a full continuum of care.

The expansion will feature thoughtfully designed independent living residences, multiple dining venues, inviting gathering spaces, expanded wellness amenities and beautifully landscaped outdoor environments that encourage engagement, lifelong learning and connection.

“At University Place, we’re investing in far more than new residences,” said Jeanne Smith, Director of Sales and Marketing. “We’re creating opportunities for current and future residents to build meaningful relationships, pursue their passions and enjoy an active lifestyle while knowing compassionate care is available whenever it’s needed.”

The project reflects the changing expectations of today’s older adults, who are seeking communities that combine hospitality, wellness and social engagement with the peace of mind of a Life Plan Community. It also reinforces University Place’s long-term commitment to serving Greater Lafayette for generations to come.

Key enhancements include:

• 62 new independent living residences designed for comfort, accessibility and contemporary living.
• A new Town Center featuring multiple dining venues and welcoming gathering spaces.
• FreshKitchen, Franciscan Ministries’ hospitality-inspired dining experience, offering chef-prepared meals, fresh ingredients and flexible dining options that bring residents together.
• Expanded wellness and fitness amenities supporting whole-person well-being.
• Beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces, including enhanced connections to the community’s scenic 60-acre campus and neighboring Celery Bog Nature Area, encouraging connection, activity and relaxation.
• Enhanced community amenities that enrich everyday life while supporting seamless access to higher levels of care if needed.

While the expansion looks toward the future, University Place’s greatest strength remains its people. Residents and families consistently describe the community as a place where compassionate associates, meaningful relationships and personalized care create a true sense of home.

One family recently shared how their mother’s journey from Independent Living to Skilled Nursing and later Memory Care was guided by associates who provided compassion, reassurance and continuity every step of the way.

“All of the associates I have met along the way have been exceptionally kind, caring and knowledgeable,” the family shared. “The staff meets every challenge with grace, patience, care and affection.” Their story illustrates what makes University Place unique: a culture where care evolved alongside residents’ needs while preserving dignity, familiarity and trust.

“Our associates are what truly make this community extraordinary,” said David Kinder, Executive Director. “Beautiful buildings create first impressions, but it’s our people who create lasting relationships. This expansion allows us to invest in both – enhancing the resident experience while continuing to foster the culture of compassion and service that has defined University Place for decades.”

For Franciscan Ministries, the investment reflects a broader vision to redefine senior living through innovation, hospitality and mission-driven service.

“As the needs of older adults continue to evolve, so must the communities that serve them,” said Lindsey Lavery, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer. “This expansion reflects our commitment to creating environments where residents can live with greater purpose, connection and joy while ensuring University Place remains a trusted resource for generations to come.”

Rooted in the legacy of the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago, University Place continues to build on more than 130 years of compassionate service by creating a community where older adults can embrace each day with confidence, purpose and joy – because Joy Lives Here.

A Legacy of Compassionate Care

Rooted in a longstanding tradition of service and guided by a mission to Celebrate Life and Serve with Joy, University Place has a rich history of providing trusted, compassionate care. As part of Franciscan Ministries, the community is supported by the strength, oversight, and resources of a nationally respected nonprofit ministry with more than 130 years of experience in senior living and healthcare. This connection reinforces University Place’s commitment to quality, accountability and continuous improvement – giving residents and families confidence and peace of mind in the care they receive. For more information, visit universityplace.org.

About Franciscan Ministries

Franciscan Ministries, sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago, is a mission-driven, nonprofit Catholic senior living organization offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, post-acute rehabilitation and community-based services. In addition, Franciscan Ministries provides third-party management services through Franciscan Advisory Services, a senior housing consulting and real estate development organization that designs, develops, markets and operates a multi-brand portfolio of senior living communities.

Franciscan Ministries’ charitable programs include a domestic violence prevention center and shelter, as well as a Scholars Program that awards scholarships and provides educational support for students attending all-girls Catholic high schools in the Chicagoland area.

For more information, visit franciscanministries.org or call 331.318.5200.

Patrick Schuerer
Franciscan Ministries
+1 331-318-5130
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