Explore how Sewanee Village Ventures is creating a thriving community for living, working, gathering, and recreating.
The mission of Sewanee Village Ventures (SVV) is to invest in and establish the outcomes described in the University’s strategic plan, Elevating Mind, Heart, and Place, that pertain to increased and affordable employee housing, creating a vibrant and attractive Sewanee Village and an enhanced community experience for students, employees, visitors, and alumni to enjoy. Through numerous collaborative efforts, SVV has played a pivotal role in bringing new life to the Village.
University Employee Apartments
SVV is developing a new apartment community in a large vacant leasehold on Highway 41A to bolster rental offerings to employees seeking to live closer to campus. Construction of forty-eight apartment units began in June 2026 and is anticipated to conclude by Fall 2027. Located in the Village, the University apartments will be a short walk to campus, the commercial district, and numerous walking trails.
TigerFest
TigerFest welcomes students to the Village for an evening of music, food, and community. The annual block party is held at the end of freshman orientation, First Year Experience (FYE), featuring student bands on the Angel Park stage and special promotions from Village businesses along University Avenue. Established in 2023, TigerFest is sponsored by Sewanee Business Alliance, the Dean of Students Office, and the Office of Economic Development.
Single-Family Employee Homes
Sewanee Village Ventures is making an ongoing and concerted effort to address an employee housing shortage by pursuing a number of coordinated initiatives in and around the Village. Phase one offered six new single-family homes sold to employees in 2023, followed by four additional homes sold in 2025. Supported by the University’s employee home financing program and a resale requirement ensuring the properties remain available to University employees, this new housing stock strengthens long-term affordability and access. Looking ahead, five additional single-family employee homes are scheduled to begin this fall, and a townhome project is currently being designed.
Sewanee Welcome Center
Through a collaborative effort led by the Sewanee Civic Association (SCA), the former freight depot along the Mountain Goat Trail has been transformed into a new Sewanee Welcome Center with the support of the Sewanee Business Alliance (SBA), the Mountain Goat Trail Alliance (MGTA), and the University’s Economic Development office. The project was funded by a large gift from the University Class of 1973, a grant from the South Cumberland Community Fund, the Sewanee Community Council, a family foundation gift through MGTA, and the University. Currently, the Head of the Crow State Park operates the Center. With public restrooms, maps, interpretive displays, a water fountain, a bike repair stand, picnic tables, and parking, the Sewane Welcome Center offers an inviting starting point for exploring the Mountain’s history and natural beauty.
Judith Tavern
Dating from the 1950s, the University’s former steam laundry building became vacant in 2023. An inspired and generous group of alumni came together to purchase and donate the property to the University. Following renovations, chef Julia Sullivan, a James Beard Award semifinalist and finalist for “Best Chef of the Southeast” opened Judith Tavern in December 2024. The restaurant features a dining room, bar, and large private event space. Known for its seasonal and locally sourced menu, the restaurant was recently recommended in the 2025 Michelin Guide to the American South. Judith Tavern continues to receive national acclaim with awards from Esquire Magazine’s 33 Best Restaurants of 2025, as well as inclusion in The New York Times, Southern Living, Travel + Leisure, and Garden & Gun. With a growing Instagram community following, Judith Tavern has quickly become a storied dining destination on the Mountain.
LUNCH
In February 2023, LUNCH opened its doors following the purchase and renovation of the building for alumni tenants Mallory and Trapp Tubbs, C’15. Known for its focus on local producers, LUNCH features a weekly seasonal menu, a lunch counter, a bakery, a market, and a selection of beer and wine. The restaurant was recently recommended in the 2025 Michelin Guide to the American South and has received numerous accolades in Southern Living and Travel + Leisure. LUNCH also hosts community gatherings, from happy hours to Harry Potter nights, as well as monthly, shared, five-course dinners. Follow along on Instagram for the latest news and menus.
