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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.

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  and has received numerous accolades in and . LUNCH also hosts community gatherings, from happy hours to Harry Potter nights, as well as monthly, shared, five-course dinners. Follow along on for the latest news and menus.

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, additional vacant leaseholds have been identified for future single-family employee homes and townhomes.

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 ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵeast” 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 . Judith Tavern continues to receive national acclaim with awards from Esquire Magazine’s 33 Best Restaurants of 2025, as well as inclusion in , , , and . With a growing community following, Judith Tavern has quickly become a storied dining destination on the Mountain.

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 ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ Cumberland Community Fund, the Sewanee Community Council, a family foundation gift through MGTA, and the University. Currently, the 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. 

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 is expected to begin in spring 2026, and anticipated completion is summer 2027. Located in the Village, the University apartments will be a short walk to campus, the commercial district, and numerous walking trails.