Welcome Home: The Windsor of Savoy Joins Greencroft

In the heart of east-central Illinois, just south of Champaign-Urbana and minutes from the University of Illinois campus, the Village of Savoy is a place where community spirit runs deep and connections last a lifetime. In December 2024, Greencroft Communities found a kindred spirit in Savoy - and a treasured addition to our family - with the welcome of The Windsor of Savoy as our first campus in Illinois.

Founded in 1988, the Windsor of Savoy has earned a reputation for its warm hospitality, beautiful campus, and enduring sense of belonging. For more than 36 years, it has been a beacon of vibrant retirement living in the Champaign-Urbana area. It is an inviting place where residents savor life’s simple joys: morning walks, lively conversations, tailgates in the fall, and the everyday comfort of familiar faces. In fact, resident, staff and family ties to Windsor are so deep that we often have multigenerational team members and multigenerational residents in the building at the same time.

Before becoming part of Greencroft Communities, the Windsor was operated by Carle Health, a trusted not-for-profit healthcare provider serving central Illinois. Carle is recognized for its integrated health system, academic partnerships, and a commitment to delivering quality care with compassion. When Carle began exploring opportunities to transition Windsor’s senior living operations to a mission-aligned partner, Greencroft was a natural fit.

Nancy Mella-Oliver, Vice President of Operations at Windsor, reflects on the decision: “For over 36 years, the Windsor of Savoy has provided a culture of care, compassion, and family for our residents and team members. Partnering with an organization like Greencroft Communities, with over 50 years of excellence in senior living and a shared mission, felt right from the start. When I heard Hugh Davis, Greencroft’s President and CEO, say ‘culture eats strategy for breakfast,’ I knew we’d found the right partner to carry on our legacy.”

What truly sets the Windsor of Savoy apart is the remarkable longevity of its staff and the closeknit, family atmosphere that has flourished over decades. Many team members from management to the frontline have served Windsor residents for years, some even across generations. This continuity fosters deep bonds, making the Windsor a place where both residents and staff feel at home. It’s not uncommon to find multigenerational families among both residents and team members, a testament to the enduring ties that define the Windsor experience. A wall adorned with resident comments reveals a common theme: nearly everyone mentions the caring, dedicated staff as the heart of the community, a sentiment echoed in satisfaction surveys year after year.

The transition to Greencroft was more than a change in ownership: It was a meeting of hearts and values. From their first visit, Hugh and the Greencroft leadership team were intentional about getting to know Windsor. They walked the halls, sat with residents, listened to team members, and held town hall meetings to share the values that guide Greencroft: Creativity, Respect, Openness, Fairness, and Teamwork (CROFT). Residents quickly sensed that this wasn’t just another organization; it was a continuation of what they already loved.

If Hugh was representative of Greencroft leadership, one resident remarked that the Windsor was in good hands and she was excited for what’s to come. Other residents at the Windsor describe their community in heartfelt ways that speak volumes about its culture: “If there is a heaven on earth, I’m living in it,” said one resident. Another shared, “The warmth here is real. No matter who you meet, they are your friend. There’s a sense of security and love.”

And perhaps most poignantly: “The kindness is unreal. I wake up and know I’m safe. I have a happy, good day ahead. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

As the newest member of the Greencroft family, the Windsor of Savoy is poised to build on its strong foundation and embrace new opportunities that come from being part of a larger, mission-driven system. Together, we look forward to enhancing services, supporting team members, and continuing the tradition of meaningful, residentcentered living in this special corner of Illinois.

Whether you’re a lifelong Illinois fan, a proud Savoy neighbor, or simply someone seeking a vibrant place to call home, the Windsor continues to be a place where care, connection, and community thrive. Welcome, Windsor, we’re so glad you’re here.