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Creating a vibrant, bustling senior living community requires more than just thoughtful design; it takes a collaborative vision that brings together residential and commercial elements in harmony.

At The Ormsby, this vision is being brought to life by a dedicated team, including Kate Brandy, leasing and development specialist at Brandicorp. In this role, Kate serves as the leasing lead for the outparcels and retail spaces at the front of the site. As such, she works closely with internal teams at The Ormsby (including partners, stakeholders, prospective residents, and more) to ensure the commercial aspects of the community not only complement the vision our team has set out to match but also enhance the lifestyle of those who will one day call it home.

In this interview, Kate shares her insights on how The Ormsby is setting a new standard for integrated senior living. From curating a mix of retail and dining options to fostering a sense of community for residents and visitors alike, everything has been taken into account to help this senior living campus thrive.

Let’s get started.

Your background blends architecture and product design. How has this unique combination of expertise influenced your approach to leasing and development for The Ormsby’s surrounding retail and community spaces?

My background in architecture and product design has given me the tools to think holistically about what a site can become. From curating the right tenant mix to creating visuals that illustrate the site’s topography and prime access to the highway and surrounding neighborhoods, I focus on how every detail contributes to the overall look and feel of the development. That includes everything from signage to building facades. Working alongside a strong development partner allows us to ensure the entire Fort Mitchell Gateway feels cohesive, intentional, and connected rather than fragmented.

You’ve been instrumental in shaping the retail and dining experiences around The Ormsby. What was the guiding vision for curating the mix of surrounding spaces, and how will it enhance the lifestyle of The Ormsby’s residents?

Fort Mitchell is a top-tier place to live because of the strong sense of community it has created, and we wanted to carry that spirit through the retail plan. Our vision was to create a mix of retail tenants that residents and neighbors could frequent throughout the day, whether for a quick errand or a multi-stop outing. We focused on bringing in businesses that are not yet in the immediate market while ensuring they complement one another and align with soon-to-be-built The Ormsby community and the St. Elizabeth office buildings. That balance was achieved through close collaboration between our development group, St. Elizabeth’s long-term vision for the site, and the city of Fort Mitchell.

The Ormsby is set to be a new landmark in the community. What are you most excited about regarding its impact on the surrounding area and how it sets a new standard for integrated living?

I’m excited to see how The Ormsby changes the skyline of Fort Mitchell. It’s a beautiful building with stunning architectural features that will truly be a jewel for the area. More importantly, it fills a significant need by allowing people to remain in the community they love while having future needs thoughtfully addressed.

What excites me most is the sense of micro-community it will create. With hundreds of residents just steps away from thoughtfully designed retail and gathering spaces, it encourages connection, social interaction, and an enhanced quality of life.

Could you share some details about the specific restaurants or retail spaces that residents and the wider community can look forward to? What makes these additions special?

We are still in the early stages of leasing the retail center and outparcels, but residents and the broader community can look forward to a mix of restaurants, take-away dining options, a grocery component, and service-oriented businesses like a nail salon and more. Vertical construction is anticipated to begin next year. What makes these additions special is that they are being thoughtfully planned to serve both The Ormsby residents and the surrounding community, reinforcing the site as a true neighborhood destination.

When developing the areas around The Ormsby, how did you balance creating vibrant, engaging public spaces with the need for convenience and accessibility for residents?

We focused on balancing public roads and sidewalks with high-quality landscaping and cohesive signage throughout the site. We also took a thoughtful approach to parking ratios and sightlines to ensure accessibility and ease of use. Our goal was that no space within the development feels secondary or overlooked, creating an inviting environment for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.

From your perspective in development, what makes The Ormsby distinct from other residential projects in the region? Are there any unique elements in the overall site plan that you find particularly compelling?

The Ormsby is a truly special luxury senior residence and unlike anything else in the region. From the high-end amenities, outdoor spaces, and indoor pool and spa to the spacious residential units, it sets a new standard for senior living.

Of course, location is a major differentiator. With immediate access to I-71, proximity to downtown, and a walkable retail environment just steps away, The Ormsby is uniquely positioned as the anchor of a thoughtfully planned mixed-use development. That level of convenience benefits residents as well as their visiting family and friends.

Looking ahead, how do you see the relationship between premier residential communities like The Ormsby and surrounding commercial and retail developments evolving? How is this project leading that trend?

As the U.S. population continues to age, developments like The Ormsby will become increasingly important. Many people want the option to stay in their community and remain independent for as long as possible, and integrated developments like this one help support that goal. While each region will approach this differently, The Ormsby is leading the trend by demonstrating how strong partnerships between a development team, a visionary institution, like St. Elizabeth, and a collaborative city can create a model that serves residents, businesses, and the broader community for years to come.

Have we piqued your interest?

Looking for a community that can support your next steps into retirement––one that gives you freedom to age gracefully with the promise of lifelong care behind you? The Ormsby is a first-of-its-kind Life Plan Community in Fort Mitchell, KY, that can help you find a lifestyle that excites, no matter your interests.

To schedule a visit to our Preview Center, stop by for an event, or to simply start a conversation with our team, give us a call at 1.859.694.8961 or fill out this short contact form on our website.