A Venice nonprofit senior living operator has invested $21.5 million in 50 acres along East Venice Avenue for a planned independent living campus that would add 180 new residences to the area's senior housing stock.

Village on the Isle, headquartered at 920 S. Tamiami Trail, announced plans for Arbor Vita, a neighborhood-style community at 2705 E. Venice Ave. about six miles east of its main campus. The project will include 130 apartments and 50 standalone cottages, according to a report by the Business Observer published Monday, July 14.

CEO Doug Feller called the project a response to growing demand. Director of Marketing and Sales Matt Cohen told the Business Observer by email that the organization has seen rising interest from active older adults choosing to move into communities earlier.

"More older adults are choosing to make a move earlier, while they're still active and independent, because they want the lifestyle, amenities and peace of mind that come with living in a community that can support them as their needs change," Cohen said.

The campus will feature a zero-entry pool, kayak launch, tennis and pickleball courts, a golf simulator, dog park and a fitness center with sauna, hot tub and cold plunge. Multiple restaurant-style dining venues are also planned.

Floor plans range from one-bedroom apartments starting at 950 square feet to two-bedroom units up to 2,295 square feet. Cottages will run 1,450 to 1,800 square feet.

Village on the Isle paid $21.5 million for the parcel in February 2026, as the Business Observer first reported. The organization declined to disclose the total projected development cost.

A sales office is scheduled to open in August at 901 Venetia Bay Blvd., Suite 300, in Venice. The organization is accepting members for a Priority Club that will get first pick of residences. Lunch & Learn information sessions are scheduled for July 21, July 23, Aug. 11 and Aug. 13, all at 11:30 a.m.

Groundbreaking is planned for 2028, with completion expected in 2030.

The satellite campus comes as Village on the Isle nears the end of a separate $78 million expansion at its main South Tamiami Trail location. That project, which began in 2025, added 54 independent living units and a 9,200-square-foot wellness center. Both residential buildings were 100% presold, according to the organization.

Southwest Florida Retirement Center, the nonprofit's official name, reported 336 employees and $34.6 million in revenue in 2024. The organization is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

No building permits or zoning approvals have been filed for the Arbor Vita site.