Imagine having just about everything you could possibly need or want within one square mile of where you live. How much easier your life would be and how much more time you would have for family, friends and all of the activities you love to do? You can have that life at North Hills.
North Hills, also known as Raleigh’s Midtown, is the community that made John Kane a household name in this area. As CEO and Chairman of Kane Realty, he has morphed what was a run-of-the-mill mall and shopping center into something Raleigh has never seen before — an innovative, mixed-use, sustainable district where you can truly “live, work, shop, dine, and play”.
As a retiree or pre-retiree, you can let go of all the hassles and responsibilities of living in a house. From the brand new Dartmouth Luxury Apartments to The Cardinal, you won’t lack for options in your new home. North Hills has combined Sustainability, Walkability, Multiple Demographics, Creativity, and Public Spaces, and Amenities to provide the perfect living environment for all Baby Boomers.
The Cardinal is the perfect place for people who want everything at their fingertips. In addition to the abundance of amenities The Cardinal offers residents, you can step right outside your door and walk to just about anything you feel like doing.
Want to see a movie? Regal Cinemas is across the street. A cooking class? Sur la Table is in the Lassiter district. And you are going to need to walk to all of these places to burn off the calories from that amazing meal at one of the fabulous restaurants in the area, ranging from high end to fast casual. We could go on and on about all that North Hills offers but we simply don’t have the space!
Since The Cardinal is scheduled to open in January, we spoke with Tom Ford, the Executive Director of The Cardinal, to get his take on The Cardinal and its unique location in North Hills.
What gave you the desire to make the retirement industry your career?
After receiving my bachelor’s in business administration and healthcare management from ASU, I knew I wanted to work in the senior living industry. I also knew that I wanted to stay in North Carolina, specifically in the Triangle. After receiving a master’s degree from NC State. I decided to work in Assisted and Independent Living settings within the senior community which I have done for the past 14 years. Having been with Kisco as executive director of Woodland Terrance, and Magnolia Glen, I am excited to begin a new chapter with Kisco as the executive director of The Cardinal.
What made The Cardinal so appealing that Kisco purchased the property?
Retirement communities in walkable, urban, multigenerational environments are on the rise. Seniors are not only open to living in upbeat, active places; they expect it. When the opportunity arose for Kisco to be a part of The Cardinal, creating an urban retirement destination, we knew we wanted to jump in. Kisco has successfully operated three existing communities in the Triangle for nearly 20 years.
What is The Cardinal’s most unique feature for residents?
The Cardinal at North Hills is an urban retirement destination unlike any other, redefining senior living in many ways. Most notably, we are raising the bar in hospitality by elevating it to the C-Suite with an executive-level director of hospitality. When you think top-notch hospitality, luxurious retreats with five-star amenities might come to mind, but what about a retirement community? The Cardinal will provide top-notch hospitality with luxury amenities, impeccable service and an expert staff to anticipate the needs and wishes of residents before they are aware themselves.
Do most residents/potential residents appreciate the location and opportunities right outside the community?
Our residents choose The Cardinal over other locations for many reasons, including the conveniences offered within a walkable, multigenerational environment. While The Cardinal offers everything under one roof, including three on-site dining venues, a bar, state-of-the-art chef’s kitchen, movie theater, spa, gym, and much more, residents appreciate the convenience and variety of North Hill’s many choices.
Fifteen years and nearly one billion dollars later, Kane Realty has fully realized its mission as “A recognized leader in creating places that improve the quality of life,” making North Hills THE place to live life to the fullest in Raleigh. www.visitnorthhills.com.