Kendal At Ithaca

Welcome to Kendal at Ithaca

Kendal at Ithaca emerged from a dream which began in the Fall of 1990, when a small group of Ithacans met to design a plan whereby people could remain in Ithaca to enjoy lifelong friends and the educational and cultural amenities of the area.

Since at the time there were no such retirement communities in New York State, this was an enormous undertaking.  The original organizing committee sought a developer, and selected the Kendal Corporation, which was nationally known for its well-run, financially stable communities.  Venture capital was raised locally, and intensive work with State government officials, local government groups, university and college officials, financiers, architects and contractors, resulted in the first residents' moving in on December 26, 1995. 

The 105-acre site was chosen because of its convenient location and scenic beauty,  and was purchased from Cornell University. The selection of the site was of special interest to Dale Corson, President Emeritus of Cornell University. As a young physicist, he was being recruited to join the faculty at Cornell in the 1940's, and was sent a letter offering him a choice of sites in a faculty housing project "soon to be built" on University property in Cayuga Heights. Dale Corson and his wife Nellie did accept the position at Cornell, but the houses were never built. Exactly 50 years later they moved into Kendal at Ithaca, on the very site of the promised homes!

Kendal at Ithaca, became the first continuing care retirement community to open in New York State, and has brought to this area people from 21 states and 2 other countries.  It has been the focus of national media attention, especially because of its college/university connections, and has become a positive and respected presence in the local community.

THE KENDAL IDEA

The Kendal Corporation has always been in the forefront of much that is new and exciting in serving the needs of older people. The success of the Kendal communities arises directly from an explicit and deliberately selected framework of values and principles, and from the way those values are put into practice in the operation of our communities.

We are always seeking to provide a way of life which offers a better way for people to grow older. This approach is based upon the belief that retirement and growing older can usher in new opportunities for growth, development and service. The lifestyle in our communities makes the latter years independent, productive and stimulating, while providing assurance of health care. Such a community contributes to life enrichment, as residents have the opportunity to explore new experiences and new relationships and to cultivate lifelong concerns and interest.

This property offers Retirement Living, Retirement Homes, Retirement Communities, A Retirement Community, Retirement Resorts, Senior Housing, Warm Senior Community, Independent Living, Active Adult Living, Active Adult Communities, Assisted Living, Alzheimer’s Care, Memory Care, Elder Care, Senior Care, Home Care, Continuing Care, Long Term Care, Skilled Nursing Care, Nursing Home, Nursing Care, Retirement Care, Rehabilitation