Happy anniversary to a wonderful community newspaper! Northside News is truly the voice of the neighborhood, and we know it is read and cherished. We hear from readers regularly every time we share updates about Tennyson Senior Living Community. Congratulations on this important milestone. We look forward to future issues of your publication. 

~ Rita Giovannoni, CEO,
Independent Living, Inc

By Sue Berg
Independent Living, Inc.

“We will be as excited as our new neighbors to see the first shovel go into the ground this spring.”

So stated Rita Giovannoni, CEO of Independent Living, Inc., who is the developer for Tennyson Senior Living Community on Madison’s Northside. The senior housing campus, when built, will offer 75 independent apartments, 60 assisted living and memory care units, beautiful community spaces including a bakery/café, and a health and wellness center with a warm-water therapy pool. 

Architects from Engberg Anderson are still working on the apartment floor plans and selecting timeless, classic earth-tone finishes. Those plans may be ready shortly after ground breaking. Giovannoni points out that earth work can begin before interior floor designs are finished. 

Interest is steadily growing, as shown in the number of calls from potential residents plus nearby businesses interested in collaborating. “We welcome all inquiries,” Giovannoni said. “For those interested in moving into Tennyson Senior Living Community, we’re willing to meet with small groups. This gives us a chance to give individual attention to the questions that may come up.” Inquiries may be directed to Sue Berg, marketing and sales director of Independent Living, at sberg@independ
entlivinginc.org or 268-9628.

One of the more common questions focuses on comparing costs of a current housing situation with the cost of housing in a senior community. Although the monthly cost of living at the new community has not yet been finalized, there is a cost-analysis step that interested residents can take, said Berg. Based on feedback from several sources, a work sheet was created that identifies housing expenses. These include common expenses like utilities and insurance, as well as often overlooked expenses such as replacing a major appliance and paying property taxes. 

Giovannoni invites individuals to contact Independent Living for a copy of the work sheet. “When you know your actual monthly expenses, you are better able to compare those costs with the costs of housing at a senior living community,” she said. For a copy, contact Berg.

To manage costs, fundraising is ongoing and donations are tax deductible, said Nicole Schultz, fund development director. “We also welcome invitations to share information with larger groups, such as churches or social groups or businesses. To make arrangements, contact Schultz at 268-9631 or nschultz@independentlivinginc.org.