The Top Senior Living Design Trends to Watch in 2024

Posted on | by Savannah Sokol

 

For developers in the ever-evolving senior living industry, deciding which amenities to include in their projects can be quite a process. These decisions are essential to ensure that their community not only meets the functional and health needs of their senior residents, but also provides a sense of security, belonging, comfort, and even purpose. Looking to emerging, industry-wide trends can help these developers to keep on top of standards and also introduce amenities that will help them stand-out to prospective residents.

As a senior living general contractor with nearly 50 years of experience, we’ve seen our fair share of trends and we’ve compiled a list of the top senior living design trends to watch in 2024. Let’s dive in:

1. Enhanced Dining Options -- 

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Dining programs have long been considered a crucial element of senior living, designed to not only meet the nutritional needs...

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Making Sense of the Latest Cost Data

Posted on | by Savannah Sokol

 

A common sentiment we seem to keep hearing is, "We're holding on any new development until construction costs come down." And while we know it will be fantastic when that day comes, the question of when that will be hangs heavy. Recent data tells us… something, right?

Unfortunately, we’re not seeing much relief anywhere right now. Things don’t seem to be getting worse, but they’re not getting better either. It seems that we are all still waiting for that “bottom falls out” moment, which hasn’t happened yet and some construction economists are backing off on predicting when it will. Predictions have shifted a possibility of the “Soft Landing”, which doesn’t really help prices. Recently The Douglas Company attended National Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) Conference where their spoke, with the sentiment "It's going to get worse before it gets better," and "Recessionary conditions will prevail at some point over the next...

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What’s Happening with Material Pricing?

Posted on | by Savannah Sokol

 

Over the past few years, there have been frequent discussions with our clients related to what we are seeing in the market when it comes to material and subcontractor pricing.

Since the pandemic, material pricing has been an extremely volatile part of our industry. These changing conditions have required everyone to adopt various strategies to get deals done. These strategies range from forms of procurement to combating escalation and much more.

As you can see in the table below from US Bureau of Labor Statistics, pricing is up substantially from where it was pre-pandemic. Overall project costs are up over 34% depending on type of construction. The table also indicates that continuous inflation has had a heavy impact on construction costs. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the dollar had an average inflation rate of about 5.53% per year between 2020 and today. The result has been a...

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The Douglas Company Completes Cincinnati’s First LGBTQ+ Retirement Community

Posted on | by Savannah Sokol

Holland, Ohio, November 29, 2022 – John Arthur Flats located in Cincinnati, Ohio is the first LGBTQ+ friendly 55+ affordable senior housing community in the city of Cincinnati. The modern building contains 57 units offering studio, and 1- and 2-bedroom apartments. The Douglas Company was selected as the general contractor for the $9.4 million development. This is the second project working with developer, Pennrose, LLC.

New Republic Architecture created a unique design with charcoal metal panels and a custom brick blend for the exterior. The 50,000-square-foot space consists of a 3-story building with elevator service. Impressive amenities include a fitness center, large community room, wellness center, on-site laundry room, a dog park, and an outdoor terrace. On-site social and medical services geared toward LGBTQ+ needs are also available to residents.

“We are proud to be part of this collaboration with the Northside’s development arm, Northsiders Engaged in Sustainable Transformation...

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Construction Begins on $33.9 Million Senior Community The Grove at Countryside

Posted on | by Savannah Sokol

Holland, Ohio, August 18, 2022 - The Douglas Company is excited to announce the beginning of construction on The Grove at Countryside, a new resort-style senior living community, located in Clearwater, Florida. Developed by The Vestcor Companies, The Douglas Company will serve as the general contractor for the $33.9 million development.

Designed by Gary B. Coursey & Associates, Architects Inc., The Grove at Countryside is a 144,841 square-foot senior community that will include 32 independent living, 72 assisted living, and 22 memory care units. The amenity-rich environment will include a bistro, dining rooms, pub bar, activity rooms, art room, libraries, piano lounge, hair salon, nail salon, fitness room, exterior porches, rentable storage, and garage spaces. Outdoor residents will enjoy the beautifully curated courtyards, memory garden, dog park, and putting green. Construction is scheduled to be completed in spring 2024.

“The Douglas Company team is proud to collaborate on a...

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The Douglas Company Finishes $28 Million Multifamily Development Ahead of Schedule

Posted on | by Savannah Sokol

Holland, Ohio, July 14, 2022 - The Douglas Company has recently completed construction of The Sagefield, a new multifamily residential development located in the heart of Jacksonville, Florida. This luxury residential community includes 234 spacious one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom units in two 4-story apartment buildings and two 2-story carriage homes with tuck-under garages. The Douglas Company served as general contractor for the $28 million upscale development.

Real estate developer Chance Partners, LLC chose Dynamik Design Partners as the architect for the 274,590 square-foot space. The architecture features a contemporary farmhouse design, with gabled rooflines, vertical siding, and a striking dark red, charcoal, and white color scheme. Apartment upgrades include stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, Smart Home technology, sleek wood-like flooring, 10-foot ceilings, and upscale finishes.                         

“It was a pleasure working with Chance Partners to provide such high-quality residential housing to northern Jacksonville,” said Brian Carter, project manager for The Douglas Company....

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The Douglas Company Completes $44 Million Harper’s Station Luxury Retirement Community

Posted on | by Savannah Sokol

Holland, Ohio, July 6, 2022 - Harper’s Station is a new state-of-the-art senior living community in the Gainesville, Virginia area. The 55+ retirement community offers spacious, well-appointed independent living, assisted living, and memory care apartments along with residential cottage homes and a wide variety of amenities and services. The Douglas Company served as general contractor for the $44 million upscale senior living community.

Co-Developers, Bourne Financial Group and Sage Development Group, selected John Marc Tolson Architecture to design the 192-unit community. The 244,400 square-foot Harper's Station consists of a 3-story main building and three villa buildings comprising seven units. The amenity-rich community offers a variety of options for residents to enjoy, including a heated indoor swimming pool, grand dining room, coffee shop, bistro, library, salons, fitness center, game room, yoga studio, putting green, exterior fireplace, fire pits, and a gazebo. Architecturally, all buildings provide 360º architectural treatments that include high-quality...

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The Douglas Company Names Three Lead Estimators

Posted on | by Savannah Sokol

Holland, Ohio, June 21, 2022 - The Douglas Company is pleased to announce that Andrew Barger, Rey Rodriguez, and Matthew Upton have all been promoted from project estimator to lead estimator. These well-deserved promotions come as the company’s preconstruction departments are working harder than ever to keep projects on track in preconstruction through a challenging market, and getting more creative and proactive in keeping project prices under control.

As lead estimators, these professionals will manage the entire preconstruction process from concept to contract including taking the lead on preconstruction calls, meetings, and presentations. Along with this huge jump in responsibility, they will continue to meet the needs of our clients and work with the assembled team to keep projects on time and within budget.

 “We are proud to promote Andrew, Rey and Matthew as lead estimators,” said Peter Douglas, president of The Douglas Company. “Our company is committed to providing quality preconstruction...

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The Douglas Company Announces Construction of Hearthstone at Wildwood in Florida

Posted on | by Savannah Sokol

Holland, OH, June 1, 2022 – The Douglas Company, an award-winning general contractor, is pleased to announce that construction has begun on the $18.2 million Hearthstone at Wildwood senior living community in Oxford, Florida. Developed by Wildwood Senior Housing RE, LLC. and situated on the doorstep of the world-famous 55+ retirement community “The Villages”, Hearthstone will be comprised of 36 memory care units and 94 assisted living units for a total count of 130 units.

Forum Architecture & Interior Design Inc. designed the 83,000 square-foot complex with a two-story assisted living building and a one-story specialized memory care facility. Welcoming in-house amenities will include a salon, fitness center, library, theater/multipurpose room, bar/bistro, private dining, and multiple courtyards landscaped to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Construction is expected to be completed in the spring of 2023.

“We are excited to be working with the owner, Wildwood Senior Housing, and their partner, Nvision Development, to...

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Protecting wood framing during construction provides peace of mind

Posted on | by Savannah Sokol

As we move into the rainy season, it’s important to revisit best practices of protecting wood from the elements during construction. Previously, we used to rely on just-in-time deliveries which would limit the amount of time our framing materials were subject to the weather prior to being covered up. With today’s market environment, we find ourselves ordering materials early and storing them on site so that we can be productive as we start building and not run out of material along the way. This has led to lumber being stored for longer periods than we are used to.  It’s important that this is taken into consideration as we construct our projects and that we don’t allow deterioration of our building products to occur. 

First, develop a plan early to deal with these issues in order to reduce the risk of mold and product deterioration. Ensure that your storage area is well...

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The Douglas Company begins ninth construction project with Kaplan Development

Posted on | by Savannah Sokol

Holland, OH, May 5, 2022 – General Contractor, The Douglas Company, is proud to announce the beginning of construction on its ninth project with owner, Kaplan Development Group, LLC. The $15.9 million, All American at Tinton Falls is a 58,000 square-foot, 58 unit assisted living and memory care community in Tinton Falls, New Jersey.

Designed by EGA Architects, All American of Tinton Falls will offer quality senior living with a vast array of amenities including an interior courtyard, double-sided fireplace, salon, beauty parlor, bistro, and media room. Construction completion is scheduled for June 2023.

“The Douglas Company is honored to once again work with the professional team at Kaplan Development,” said Dylan Lewis, assistant project manager for The Douglas Company. “The All American communities are uniquely designed with senior independence in mind and we are proud to deliver this distinctive project to Tinton Falls.”

The Douglas Company

The Douglas Company is headquartered in Holland,...

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All American Assisted Living at Tinton Falls

Posted on | by Bob Ritter
A close up of the front view of All American Assisted Living at Tinton Falls

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All American Assisted Living at Tinton Falls was The Douglas Company's ninth project with owner, Kaplan Development Group, LLC. This assisted living and memory care community is located in Tinton Falls, New Jersey. It spans an impressive 58,000 square feet with a 1,200 square foot courtyard in the memory care wing. Of the 58 units in the facility, 45 of them are designated for assisted living residents while 13 are for memory care residents. Breaking it down even further, there are 3 ADA accessible units in the memory care area and 7 ADA accessible units in the assisted living area. Designed by EGA Architects, All American Assisted Living at Tinton Falls offers a quality senior living experience to its residents with a vast array of amenities including a double-sided fireplace, salon and beauty parlor, bistro, and media room. Additional features include a...

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“IT’S TOUGH TO MAKE PREDICTIONS, ESPECIALLY ABOUT THE FUTURE”
– Yogi Berra

Posted on | by Bob Ritter

Everywhere I go people are asking what’s going to happen with construction prices, and they are right to ask.  I visited with a prospective client this month and he told me that construction prices on his prototype increased 46% in two years, which was shocking to him and a little surprising to me.  We are tracking prices in our Florida office and our records indicate costs are up 30% in 14 months, 2% per month, so I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised.  Everywhere we look subcontractors are backing out of quotes and/or raising prices, and even once under contract don’t always honor prices.  Materials and labor availability is a whole other issue.  It’s hard to believe these increases can continue, but I don’t see any signs of relief. 

The above doesn’t make our jobs any easier or more enjoyable.  We hate giving bad news to our clients on costs, but...

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The Douglas Company Announces the Completion of Construction on Maumee Pointe!

Posted on | by Bob Ritter

Holland, OH, April 5, 2022 – The Douglas Company proudly announces the completion of Maumee Pointe, a new assisted living and memory care community developed by Sage Real Estate Development of Rochester, New York. The Douglas Company served as the general contractor for the $13.6 million community conveniently located at Side Cut Crossings in Maumee, Ohio.

Designed by Davison Smith Certo Architects, Inc., the new Maumee Pointe is a 69,310 square-foot assisted living and memory care community consisting of a single-story building including 22 memory care units for individuals with dementia-related conditions and a two-story assisted living building offering 58 one-bedroom suites for those needing assisted living services. The new community boasts numerous upscale amenities, including an arts and crafts area, spa, chapel, bistro and dining area, wellness center, sunroom, and lounges, two exterior courtyards, a fire pit, and a greenhouse.

“As The Douglas Company continues to fulfill the demand for senior...

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The Douglas Company Completes Construction on The Grove at Trelago

Posted on | by Bob Ritter

The Douglas Company has announced the completion of construction on The Grove at Trelago, a new assisted living and memory care community located in Maitland, Florida, along Maitland Boulevard, east of I-4, with the elegant backdrop of Lake Charity. Developed by The Vestcor Companies, The Douglas Company served as the general contractor for the $21.7 million community.

 

Designed by PQH Group Design Inc., The Grove at Trelago is a 113,989 square-foot assisted living and memory care community comprised of 96 assisted living and 20 specialized memory care studios for residents with Alzheimer's, dementia, and...

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Finally, Some Encouraging Trends in Senior Living

Posted on | by Bob Ritter

Earlier this month several of us from The Douglas Company attended the annual NIC Fall Conference, held this year in Houston, Texas.  It was encouraging to see more than 2,500 senior living professionals in attendance (in person) and optimistic about the future of the Senior Living Industry post-COVID.

NIC has also released the 3rd Quarter 2021 NIC MAP Data, which shows that demand in the 3rd quarter rebounded with the strongest quarterly increase since NIC began reporting the data in 2005.  Overall seniors housing occupancy increased to 80.1%.  Still 7.3% below pre-pandemic occupancy, but finally trending in the right direction.  Additionally, one statistic we heard is that the age cohort for senior living will double every 5 years between 2020 and 2040.  That is a lot of new seniors who will need some type of senior housing!

One topic that seems to be on everyone’s mind is “Active Adult”. ...

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HarborChase of Shaker Heights has Broken Ground

Posted on | by Bob Ritter

The Douglas Company, an award-winning general contractor, is excited to announce that HarborChase of Shaker Heights has broken ground. The new 106,698 square-foot assisted living and memory care community is located within one of Cleveland's most affluent suburbs, just eight miles from downtown. It is the first project of its kind to break ground in this city within the past 20 years.

Co-developed and owned by Denver, Colorado-based Confluent Senior Living, co-developed and operated by Vero Beach, Florida-based Harbor Retirement Associates, and designed by RDL Architects; HarborChase of Shaker Heights will provide a mix of 108 assisted living and memory care apartments in the three-story community. This extravagant facility offers vaulted ceilings upon entering and has several in-house amenities, including a commercial laundry service, full-service commercial kitchen, exhibit kitchen complete with a pizza oven, virtual activity room, two salons, bistro, bar, a large wellness room, private...

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The Douglas Company celebrates the beginning of construction on the All American of Enfield

Posted on | by Bob Ritter

The Douglas Company, General Contractor, celebrates the beginning of construction on its eighth project with the owner, Kaplan Development Group, LLC. The $12.3 million, All American of Enfield is a 55,992 square-foot, 58 unit assisted living and memory care community in Enfield, Connecticut.

Designed by EGA Architects, All American of Enfield boasts several in-house amenities, including a salon, beauty parlor, bistro, media room, and an interior courtyard. The building is wood-framed and constructed on a slab on grade over a standard spread footer/stem wall.  The exterior is finished with CertainTeed Vinyl Siding, including lap boards and "cedar" shakes, with a mix of EPDM and asphalt shingle roofing. 

"The Douglas Company team is grateful for our continued collaboration with Kaplan Development. We are excited to bring All American of Enfield to life and deliver a best-in-class project for the Enfield region," stated Alan Kluczynski, Assistant Project Manager of The Douglas Company.

The...

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Defining Active Adult Communities – Notes from the Interface Conference

Posted on | by Bob Ritter

Last month we wrote about how The Senior Housing Evolution Continues, specifically discussing the Active Adult concept. Last week, The Douglas Company attended an Active Adult conference hosted by Interface, where we heard from pioneers and visionary leaders in this new product. Three major conceptual questions stood out through all the sessions:

How to Define Active Adult?

While there is huge excitement about the space, there isn't a clear-cut, one-size-fits-all definition of what an "Active Adult" community really is, or for that matter, if the term "Active Adult" is going to stick. While time will probably resolve these issues, there is consensus on the place in the market - Seniors in their early 70s want to take advantage of the equity in their homes and sell them to downsize in an effort to reduce maintenance and find a new social circle. This is want-based, not need-based like other senior housing...

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HarborChase of Shaker Heights

Posted on | by Bob Ritter
Front exterior of HarborChase of Shaker Heights

 

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