In 1982, the Army Residence Community (ARC) began as the vision of 3 retired Army Officers, MG William L. Starnes, MG Donnelly P. Bolton, and MG George M. Wallace, II. The combined vision of these officers was to create a retirement community to serve career military officers, spouses, and/or widows in a community of shared values and interests. The purpose was to redefine retirement living by bringing together people with an active outlook on life.
A small group of dedicated volunteers set out to identify and purchase land, begin preliminary architectural plans, and establish policies for the organization. In 1983, 50 acres of land were purchased in Northeast San Antonio.
Construction began in 1985 and the doors of the Army Residence Community officially opened on January 12, 1987. The opening brought to realization the expectations of those wanting to live among close friends who have shared the camaraderie of a lifetime of military service.
Since then, the ARC has expanded on an additional 150 acres of land adjacent to the south side of the original 50-acre main campus. Additional independent living units were added along with expanded AL units and amenities that make the ARC the premiere Life Plan Community that it is today–461 Independent living apartments and cottages, 48 Assisted Living Apartments at Lakeside Villas, 30 Assisted Living Apartments at Crestway Assisted Living. The Nursing Center has 73 long-term nursing care beds, 18 specialized memory care beds for a total of 91 beds, all of which are Medicare certified.
As of March 13, 2020, the ARC now welcomes all officers whether retired or honorably discharged from all branches of service, as well as retired senior-level (GS-14 and above) federal employees, to include spouses and surviving spouses aged 62 and above.
The community has its own movie theater, chapel, and numerous dining venues, state-of-the-art fitness center, medical clinics, rehabilitation facilities, putting green,
dog park, Resident gardening plats, and numerous clubs and activities that contribute to the wellness of mind, body, and spirit.
Located in northeast San Antonio near Randolph Air Force Base, Fort Sam Houston, and San Antonio Military Medical Center, the ARC currently serves over 700 Residents and employs approximately 360 San Antonians.
The ARC is governed by a 15-member Board of Directors, which includes 3 ARC Residents as voting members along with several Board subcommittees. The ARC is a member of LeadingAge, a State and National trade association representing the full continuum of mission-driven, not-for-profit aging services providers.