Renaissance Terrace is an affordable assisted living center that has been serving elderly residents in Knoxville’s Fourth and Gill neighborhood since 2008. Operated by Senior Citizens Home Assistance Service, this facility has become known for providing high-quality care at a price point accessible to older adults in the community. The building itself is a two-story tower, featuring 24 furnished rooms, each with a private bath. Two of these are slightly larger, designed specifically to accommodate couples, offering residents a bit more comfort and space in their living arrangements.
The mission of Renaissance Terrace has always been to provide care to seniors who might otherwise struggle to find safe and supportive housing. This commitment has made the center a vital resource for its 45 residents, many of whom rely on the affordability Renaissance Terrace provides. Services have included everything from personal care and support with daily activities to the fostering of a community environment where residents are encouraged to maintain their sense of purpose and independence.
However, despite its positive impact, Renaissance Terrace faces insurmountable financial challenges that have forced it to announce its closure. Management has cited ongoing losses—about $30,000 each month—which have been exacerbated by rising operating costs related to the pandemic. These include increased expenses for food, pandemic protective equipment, and higher wages required to remain competitive in the healthcare workforce. Efforts were made to improve employee compensation in March 2021 to keep up with industry standards, but escalating expenditures have overwhelmed the nearly $1.5 million annual budget.
A major contributing factor to the facility’s financial difficulties stems from funding decisions made by the TENNCare CHOICES program. Funding from the program has not kept pace with operational needs, leaving Renaissance Terrace and its residents at a disadvantage. Even federal initiatives like those made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act provided limited relief; restrictions on how these funds could be used meant that direct support for wage increases offered little benefit, given Renaissance Terrace had already taken those steps independently.
The closure of Renaissance Terrace has profound implications for its residents, many of whom now face the prospect of being relocated to facilities that may only offer semi-private accommodations. The sense of home, privacy, and specialized care they enjoyed has been abruptly disrupted by these financial hardships. While staff and management have expressed deep sorrow about the necessity to close and have pledged unwavering support in helping residents find new accommodations, the loss of this affordable and caring environment marks a significant change in the lives of those who called Renaissance Terrace home.
Throughout its years of operation, Renaissance Terrace provided much more than basic care. It fostered a sense of belonging and dignity, ensuring that aging adults retained a purpose and as much independence as possible. The legacy of Renaissance Terrace lies in its dedication to this mission and the positive difference it made for the seniors in Knoxville, even in the face of challenging external circumstances.