Our Journey
Charting a Path
How do you sell a community that hasn’t been built yet? That’s the question we’ve been asking ourselves for the past four years. Our answer? Earn the trust and respect of hundreds of potential future residents, one conversation at a time.
Through hundreds of events over the past several years, frequent communication, and an unwavering commitment to transparency, we established a “Charter Club.” The Charter Club consisted of approximately 250 individuals and couples who expressed interest in moving to The Cesta in the future. Members of the Charter Club submitted a deposit to formalize their interest in our community and, in turn, attended member-only events, received frequent updates regarding the status of our project, and will have priority when it comes to reserving an apartment home.
However, just because you didn’t join the Charter Club doesn’t mean you’re too late to join our community! We’re still over two years away from opening The Cesta, and we anticipate a variety of attractive apartment homes will be available to reserve prior to opening. We intend to hold regular events throughout the construction process to share ongoing building updates, provide you with all the information and tools you need to thoughtfully prepare for your move, and to continue to strengthen our community.
Building Community
In an effort to build relationships among future friends and neighbors, The Cesta Team has provided a number of opportunities to learn about Illuminus, our new neighborhood, and each other as the project progresses. Our events are focused on building community and providing future residents with the newest information available, offering a front row view to our progress. We keep in touch with our future residents, educate, and build trust over time so that they are informed and able make the decision that is best for their future.
Examples of past events include:
Tour of Forest Edge Elementary
We are proud to be part of a neighborhood that is focused on sustainability and building for the future. The Charter Club met with the principal and enjoyed a tour of Forest Edge Elementary, the first Net Zero Energy school in Wisconsin. Forest Edge Elementary is offering residents of The Cesta volunteer opportunities.
Flight Wine & Bourbon Bar Event
The Terravessa neighborhood is designed to include retail options for all residents. Within a few steps of The Cesta site is Flight Wine & Bourbon Bar. Offering over 40 types of bourbon and a self-serve wine concept, Flight will provide those living at The Cesta with yet another option for delicious appetizers and a fun, upscale place to gather. Charter Club members enjoyed a private event at Flight and learned more about new businesses slated for our future neighborhood.
Tour of The Marquardt
We get it, visualizing The Cesta development may not be easy. That’s why we provide Charter Club members with ongoing opportunities to tour The Marquardt, the original Illuminus community located in Watertown, WI. Charter Club members have the chance to understand The Marquardt campus, experience the quality of the finishes, and enjoy lunch based on a Fitchburg-inspired cuisine, all while in the company of fellow Charter Club members.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Life Plan Community?
A Life Plan Community offers independent living apartments and access to higher levels of care and services, should you need them, all on one campus. Life Plan Communities provide a number of valuable services and amenities as part of one convenient monthly service fee. Communities typically focus on supporting the independence of residents and offer maintenance-free living, while providing priority access to care when needed. Communities also take responsibility for re-leasing residences once residents have vacated. A move to a Life Plan Community reduces the burdens of ongoing yard and home maintenance, proactively positions you for future health care, and is a gift to loved ones who may someday be responsible for coordinating care.
Is The Cesta not-for-profit?
Yes, The Cesta is not-for-profit. This means all proceeds generated from operations are not given to owners or investors, but are re-invested into the community to improve programs and services. It also means The Cesta will strive to continue to provide care to those who outlive their financial resources through no fault of their own.
Does The Cesta charge an entrance fee?
Yes, like many Life Plan Communities, The Cesta will require payment of an entrance fee upon move in. Entrance fees provide financial stability for the community and result in more consistency in the resident population than you might experience in a rental community. Typically, residents use the proceeds from the sale of their home to pay the entrance fee upon move-in. When the apartment home is re-leased, a large portion of the entrance fee is refunded to the resident or their estate.
Why should I reserve an apartment home now, before the building opens?
Reserving early is the best way to make sure your perfect apartment home is waiting for you when The Cesta opens its doors. You’ll also have the opportunity to personalize your space with your choice of pre-selected finishes and upgrades and start connecting with future friends and neighbors long before moving day.
By reserving now, you can take your time to plan, downsize, and prepare for your move with the full support of The Cesta Team. We’ll be with you every step of the way to make the transition smooth, and maybe even enjoyable!
How do I reserve an apartment home?
Once you decide you’d like to make The Cesta your future home, you’ll be asked to complete a Priority Selection Deposit Agreement and submit a fully refundable $1,000 Wait List deposit.
When your name comes up on the wait list (based on your deposit date), we’ll invite you to select from available apartment homes. To officially reserve your choice, you’ll complete a Confidential Financial Statement and submit a Reservation Fee equal to 10% of the Entrance Fee.
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Why do I need to complete a Confidential Financial Statement?
Because The Cesta is a not-for-profit Life Plan Community, our intent is to care for residents throughout their lifetime. The Confidential Financial Statement helps ensure each future resident is well-positioned to manage the costs of care and living, providing peace of mind for you and the entire community.
It’s not about exclusion—it’s about confidence and having important conversations up front. We want every resident to know they’ve chosen a community built on security, stability, and long-term support.
What happens after I reserve my apartment home?
You can expect regular communication, special events, and lots of support while your new home takes shape. You’ll receive monthly updates from The Cesta Team, invitations to exclusive events on downsizing, moving, and life at The Cesta, opportunities to meet your future neighbors and – when the time is right – an opportunity to select your preferred finish and upgrade package.
It’s an exciting time—and you’ll be part of it from day one!
What if I change my mind?
We understand that plans can change. If you decide not to move forward, your Reservation Fee will be refunded within 90 days, minus a small 1% administrative fee (based on the Entrance Fee).
What is an Entrance Fee, and how does it work?
The Entrance Fee—sometimes called a “buy-in” or “right of occupancy” fee—is common in Life Plan Communities like The Cesta. It provides long-term financial stability for the community and helps ensure that, should you outlive your finances and reach a point where you are unable to cover the cost of your care, The Cesta will still be here to support your needs.
It also helps maintain predictable monthly fees and funds the outstanding amenities and lifestyle services that make The Cesta such a special place to live.
Best of all, 90% of your Entrance Fee is refundable to you or your estate once your apartment home is re-leased to a new resident.
What is the construction and development timeline for The Cesta?
The Cesta team has taken a thoughtful, intentional approach to creating a community that truly feels like home. Over the past four years, we’ve connected with hundreds of individuals excited to be part of The Cesta lifestyle. In October 2025, we began accepting reservations—an exciting milestone that allows future residents to select their preferred apartment home by completing a Reservation Fee Agreement and submitting a refundable Reservation Fee equal to 10% of the Entrance Fee.
Construction will begin once 70% of apartment homes are reserved and is expected to take about 18–20 months. Reaching this milestone ensures The Cesta opens on a strong foundation—vibrant, financially healthy, and ready to welcome our first residents home.
Will The Cesta offer care and services in addition to apartment homes?
Absolutely. In addition to 124 beautifully-designed independent living apartment homes, The Cesta will include assisted living and memory care apartments for those who may need additional support in the future. Residents will have priority access to these services, along with home health and hospice care through our trusted partner, Commonheart Home Health and Hospice—so you can feel confident knowing care and comfort are always close to home.
