The Forest

What The Forest does

The Forest at Duke is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) continuing care retirement community (CCRC) operating on a 47-acre campus at 2701 Pickett Road in Durham, North Carolina, adjacent to Duke University. Organized in October 1988 with first residents moving in September 1992, the community today serves approximately 500 residents with nearly 400 team members. It delivers a full continuum of care: independent living via 80 cottages, Fountain View Lane Homes, classic apartments, and contemporary apartments (The Terraces, Fall 2025); the Cohen Center for Health for memory care, assisted living, and skilled nursing (opened February 2023); on-site clinic services via Duke's Division of Geriatric Medicine; therapy services through Legacy Healthcare Services (since December 2003); and The Forest at Home for in-residence aide and companion care.

The community's core technical and design differentiator is the Small House model introduced in the approximately 108,000 sq. ft., five-story Cohen Center for Health. The Cohen Center comprises nine self-contained households, each with private rooms, a kitchen, dining room, den, living room, and screened covered porch, hosting 90 resident rooms (32 assisted living units and 58 licensed skilled nursing beds) with European-style safety bathrooms, recessed track lifting, and medical pass-through cabinets. Care delivery is augmented by the Caspar.AI care app (partnership announced August 2022) deployed in the Small Houses and by Savance automated health screening. The community also maintains a long-standing partnership with Duke University's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), providing Foresters access to roughly 200 annual courses and a near-2,000-member learning community.

Revenue is generated via a standard CCRC economic structure: amortized one-time entry fees combined with recurring monthly fees across residency tiers, supplemented by healthcare-services revenue from memory care, assisted living, skilled nursing, respite, and rehabilitation, plus fees from The Forest at Home. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; the Early Acceptance Program — a flexible residency option for qualified Future Residency Program members aged 65–80 living within 20 miles of campus — credits 100% of the Early Acceptance Entry Fee toward an eventual on-site residence. Distribution is exclusively direct-to-consumer through dedicated sales counselors, group tours (in-person and virtual), webinars, and a website inquiry form; referral channels emphasize resident word-of-mouth and the Duke University affiliation. Sales-led motion is paired with content marketing (blog, virtual events, SEO) and partnership-driven brand presence (Durham Bulls, DPAC, OUTSOUTH Film Festival).

Name

The Forest

Legal name

The Forest at Duke, Inc.

Website

https://forestduke.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1992

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

The Forest at Duke is a nonprofit continuing care retirement community on a 47-acre Durham, North Carolina campus adjacent to Duke University, serving approximately 500 residents with a full continuum of care spanning independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Continuing Care Retirement Community

NAICS

Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly (6233), Continuing Care Retirement Communities (623311), Nursing and Residential Care Facilities (623)

SIC

Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050), Services-Skilled Nursing Care Facilities (8051), Services-Home Health Care Services (8082)

akta.pro primary industry

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) with Memory Care (HLADACAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

General Assisted Living Facilities (HLADABAA)

Keywords

• Continuing care community
• Senior living services
• Retirement community
• Assisted living care
• Memory care services

Headquarters

HQ city

Durham

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Entry Fees (Amortized): Assisted Living includes an amortized entry fee. The entry fee is paid upfront and amortized over time. Early Acceptance members who transition to on-site residency receive credit of their entire Early Acceptance Entry Fee toward the Entry Fee for their desired residence.
2. Monthly Fees: Assisted Living and other residency levels include monthly fees. The Forest's health care plan offers significant value with set number of prepaid days for overnight care in the Health Center at no additional cost.
3. Healthcare Services Revenue: Revenue from continuum of care services including Memory Care, Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing, respite, rehabilitation, and permanent long-term care. Memory support is offered at no additional cost to residents.
4. The Forest at Home Services: Home care services for independent living residents including in-home aide services (activities of daily living, personal hygiene, meal preparation, medication reminders, walking assistance) and companion services. Billing appears on the standard monthly Forest at Duke statement with collaboration with long-term care insurance.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Forest at Duke operates a nonprofit continuing care retirement community on a 47-acre campus in Durham, North Carolina, providing independent living residences (apartments, cottages, contemporary apartments, and single-family homes), assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, on-site therapy, a Medicare-certified clinic, and home care services. The community serves approximately 500 residents with nearly 400 team members, offering four dining venues, a 24-hour fitness center with indoor saline pool, 400+ monthly programs and activities, and access to approximately 200 lifelong learning courses annually through the OLLI at Duke partnership.

Product overview

The Forest at Duke is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) continuing care retirement community (CCRC) offering a comprehensive continuum of care. The community provides multiple independent living residence options including Classic Apartments, Contemporary Apartments (The Terraces), Cottages, and Fountain View Lane Homes. Residents have access to four dining venues (Heartwood Café, The Rosewood Room, The Taproot Club, and The Bistro), a fitness center with indoor saline pool, and extensive wellness programming. The organization partners with OLLI at Duke for lifelong learning opportunities. Healthcare services include The Cohen Center for Health featuring Small House model with Memory Care, Assisted Living, and Skilled Nursing; on-site clinic with Duke affiliation; therapy services through Legacy Healthcare; and The Forest at Home for in-home care. The community also offers the Early Acceptance Program for flexible residency.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The Cohen Center for Health: Award-winning health center featuring the Small House concept for Memory Care, Assisted Living, and Skilled Nursing care.
• The Terraces
• The Forest at Home

Products and services

• The Terraces (Contemporary Apartments) Contemporary apartment residences featuring modern design with 10-foot ceilings, open-concept layouts, chef-inspired kitchens with islands, large walk-in showers, and oversized screened-in balconies. Buildings connected by heated/air-conditioned hallways. Intended for seniors seeking independent living.
• Classic Apartments Comfortable apartments in the Community Center offering easy access to dining, amenities, programs, and gathering spaces. Five floor plans ranging from 553 to 1,243 square feet with private patio or balcony access. Intended for independent living residents.
• Cottages 80 detached homes in three floor plans (Alder 1,207 sq ft, Birch 1,445 sq ft, Chestnut 1,662 sq ft) featuring open-concept kitchens, hardwood floors, generous storage, large patios, and ample yard space. Intended for independent living residents.
• Fountain View Lane Homes Soundproof and fireproof single-family homes built in 2015 featuring hardwood flooring, island kitchens with granite and stainless finishes, vaulted ceilings, and oversized two-car garages. Three floor plans: Pine (2,200 sq ft), Holly (2,362 sq ft), and Magnolia (2,558 sq ft). Intended for independent living residents.
• The Cohen Center for Health Approximately 108,000 sq. ft. health center featuring Small House model with nine households supporting Memory Care, Assisted Living, and Skilled Nursing. Includes 90 private resident rooms with kitchen, dining room, den, living room, and screened covered porch in each household. European-style bathrooms with safety features, recessed track lifting systems, and medical pass-through cabinets.
• Assisted Living Individualized support in a close-knit Small House setting with assistance for daily activities including bathing, dressing, housekeeping, medication management, and laundry. Residents maintain independence while receiving appropriate support. Offered within The Cohen Center for Health.
• Therapy Services (Legacy Healthcare) On-site physical, occupational, and speech-language therapy services provided through partnership with Legacy Healthcare Services since December 2003. Therapists create individualized programs for recovery from injury or illness. Delivered in therapy gym, resident homes, fitness center, pool, or Health Center.
• The Forest at Home Personalized home care services enabling independent living residents to continue living in their homes. Services include in-home aide services (activities of daily living, personal hygiene, meal preparation, medication reminders, walking assistance) and companion services. Post-acute and compassionate care packages available.
• Clinic Services Medicare-certified clinic associated with Duke University Division of Geriatric Medicine offering primary care medical services including annual wellness visits, treatment of acute and chronic conditions, health education, nutrition consultation, and specialist referrals.
• Early Acceptance Program Flexible residency program for Future Residency Program members aged 65-80 living within 20 miles of campus. Allows delayed move to independent living with security of acceptance into community, with full access to health center and community spaces. Entire Early Acceptance Entry Fee credited to Entry Fee when transitioning to on-site residency.
• OLLI at Duke Partnership (Lifelong Learning) Partnership with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Duke University offering approximately 200 annual courses led by Duke professors, peer teachers, independent scholars, and community experts. Foresters receive reduced enrollment rates and seamless registration through Community Life department, with access to nearly 2,000 OLLI members.
• Fitness Center & Aquatic Programs 24-hour fitness center featuring Keiser pneumatic strength training system, NuStep recumbent cross trainers, ellipticals, rowing machine, treadmills, bikes, and free weights. 17-meter indoor saline swimming pool maintained at 86F with aquatic exercise equipment and water fitness classes.
• Dining Venues Four distinct dining settings: Heartwood Café (casual with pizza oven and ethnic cuisine), The Rosewood Room (fine dining with fireplace), The Taproot Club (casual bar and dining with billiards), and The Bistro (artisanal treats, espresso, ice cream, pastries in The Terraces).

Quantifiable outcome

• 64,000+ volunteer hours annually contributed by residents to the greater Durham community
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Caspar.AIcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 August 2022Technology partnership announced August 2022 to deploy Caspar.AI care app technology in the new Health Center Small Houses. The partnership makes caregivers more effective through innovative technology solutions integrated into the small house model of care.
• Senior PharmAssistminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2021Partnership to deliver protective facial coverings to nearly 1,300 older adults in Durham during the COVID-19 pandemic. Grantee program participant supporting Durham seniors.
• Duke University Division of Geriatric MedicinecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2019The Forest at Duke clinic has been associated with Duke University Division of Geriatric Medicine since its beginning. As of December 2019, officially linked into Duke network as a MyChart clinic, making referrals and specialist appointments easier. Medical director contracted with Duke University Health System, specifically the Duke Geriatric Medicine Division - an internationally recognized division with cutting edge research and successful approaches in geriatric patient care.
• OUTSOUTH Queer Film FestivalminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2018Title sponsor since 2018 of the second largest LGBTQ+ film festival in the Southeast. Partnership supports diversity and inclusion while providing cultural programming access for residents.
• Legacy Healthcare ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2003Partnership since December 2003 offering on-site physical, occupational, and speech-language therapy services. Legacy professionals meet residents where they are most comfortable - in the therapy gym, resident homes, fitness center, pool, or Health Center. Therapists create effective, individualized programs to help residents recover from injury or illness using new techniques and specialized tools.
• OLLI at Duke UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDeep partnership with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Duke University providing approximately 200 annual courses led by Duke professors, peer teachers, independent scholars, and community experts. Nearly 2,000 OLLI members. Forest residents receive exclusive benefits including reduced enrollment rates, seamless registration through dedicated Department of Community Life, and access to global classroom via OLLI's dynamic online platform. Special pilot program exclusive to Forest residents and Early Acceptance Program members.
• Duke UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNeighbor to Duke University campus and medical center. The community was originally envisioned by Duke faculty members and neighbors in the 1980s. Deep partnership includes OLLI at Duke collaboration, Duke Division of Geriatric Medicine affiliation for clinic services, and access to Duke medical expertise.
• CARF International (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities)coreOthersInternationally accredited by CARF/CCAC. Member of LeadingAge. CARF accreditation demonstrates commitment to meeting internationally recognized standards of quality.
• LeadingAgecoreOthersMember of LeadingAge and LeadingAge North Carolina. Organization actively involved in the association, with CEO transition announced and leadership participation in Excellence in Community Service Award.
• Studio G Aesthetic & Family DentistryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDentistry services provided on-site at The Forest clinic by Studio G Aesthetic & Family Dentistry as one of the specialties available through the clinic.
• Durham Bulls Athletic ParkminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of 'Retire the Side' at Durham Bulls Athletic Park - referring to when a Bulls pitcher retires the side by getting all three outs in an inning without allowing a batter to get on base. Partnership supports community engagement and entertainment access for residents.
• Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerTitle sponsor of the Legends Concert & Comedy Series at DPAC, bringing big names like Carol Burnett, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Chicago, Gladys Knight, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, and Jay Leno. Partnership provides entertainment access for residents.
• Durham Center for Senior LifeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBoard service partnership with Director of Community Services Nathan Summers serving as Finance Chair on the Board of Directors for the Durham Center for Senior Life.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Croasdaile Village: Nonprofit continuing care retirement community located in Durham, NC — the closest geographic peer and direct competitor for Duke-affiliated retirees. Operates a similar continuum of care (independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care) on a comparable Durham campus.
• Erickson Senior Living: Operator of large-scale continuing care retirement communities (mostly on the U.S. East Coast) with a similar continuum-of-care model including independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and home care. Comparable large-campus, full-service CCRC positioning.
• Kendal at Oberlin: Nonprofit Quaker-affiliated continuing care retirement community in Oberlin, Ohio with independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. Closely comparable nonprofit CCRC model with university-town setting and emphasis on lifelong learning.
• Shell Point Retirement Community: Large nonprofit CCRC in Fort Myers, Florida offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and home care on a single large campus. Comparable scale and full-continuum nonprofit CCRC structure.

Broad incumbents

• Life Care Services: Largest manager of CCRCs in the U.S., serving over 140 communities. Provides operational management to many nonprofit and for-profit CCRCs comparable to The Forest, including oversight of dining, healthcare, and resident services.
• Brookdale Senior Living: Largest senior living operator in the United States, with a portfolio spanning independent living, assisted living, memory care, and continuing care retirement communities. Broad incumbent in the same industry and overlapping service categories as The Forest.
• Sunrise Senior Living: Major U.S. senior living operator with assisted living, memory care, and independent living communities. Comparable continuum-of-care offering, though focused primarily on assisted living and memory care rather than the full CCRC/life plan model.
• Atria Senior Living: Large senior living operator offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care across the U.S. Overlaps with The Forest's residential and care services, though typically without the skilled nursing depth or entry-fee CCRC structure.
• Five Star Senior Living: Senior living operator and management company with independent living, assisted living, and memory care communities, plus CCRC management contracts. Adjacent competitor in the broader senior living/CCRC space.

Emerging players

• Seasons Living: Mid-sized senior living operator offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care across several U.S. states. Represents a partial-overlap emerging competitor with similar service categories but smaller scale and newer footprint than The Forest.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@theforestatdukeYT
• Facebookfacebook.com/TheForestatDuke
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-forest-at-duke
• Instagraminstagram.com/theforestatduke
• Xx.com/theforestatduke

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Forest