Village Woods was a retirement community that served senior citizens for more than four decades. Established in 1981, it transformed a former Holiday Inn near Crete into a sprawling campus dedicated to providing a home for older adults during their later years. Over the years, thousands of residents lived at Village Woods, making it a fixture of the local area and a significant part of many community members’ lives. The community, though located just outside the official town boundary of Crete in an unincorporated area, maintained strong ties to the surrounding region and offered its residents not only housing but also a sense of belonging and stability. Its Christian affiliation was reflected in its full name, Village Woods Christian Retirement Community, and in 1989, the facility expanded with the addition of townhouses, increasing its capacity and range of living options.
The closure of Village Woods marked the end of an era. The decision to shut its doors was made public three months before the last residents moved out. The once-busy campus gradually grew silent as 84 residents relocated and more than 80 staff members departed. The closure was prompted primarily by structural concerns, specifically concrete spalling. An engineering and architectural assessment estimated immediate repair costs at half a million dollars, but the long-term cost could climb beyond two million dollars. The leadership determined that the scale and noise of the necessary repairs would create an environment unsuitable for senior residents, many of whom required peace and stability. As a result, the choice was made to close rather than repair, emphasizing the importance of residents’ well-being over the daunting financial and logistical challenges of a renovation.
During the transition period, management at Village Woods committed to supporting residents through the difficult move. The organization covered moving expenses and ensured that everyone found suitable new accommodations. Many residents moved to nearby communities, seeking to reestablish routines and connections after leaving Village Woods. The now empty rooms, once full of life and activity, represent over forty years of memories and community spirit. With its significance rooted both in its history as a former Holiday Inn and its long service as a retirement home, the future for the building and its surrounding land remains uncertain. Village Woods stands as a testament to decades of care and companionship in the region, and its legacy is remembered by those who once called it home.