Holland, OH – December 9, 2025 – The Douglas Company is proud to announce the start of construction on two new Vermilion Development affordable assisted living communities in Amherst and Canton, Ohio, to be operated by Silver Birch Living. As the general contractor for these two projects, The Douglas Company is honored to support Vermilion Development—our valued client and long-standing partner—in expanding access to high-quality, affordable assisted living across the state.
These developments are part of Vermilion Development’s three-community expansion in Ohio, which also includes a new Silver Birch Living community in Cuyahoga Falls. Together, the three projects will create 360 affordable assisted living apartments designed to support Medicaid-eligible seniors who may otherwise be unable to access the care and services offered in market-rate communities.
All three projects are being financed through the Ohio Housing Finance Agency’s 4% LIHTC Affordable Assisted Living Program, representing some of the first communities in Ohio to move forward under the state’s expanded support for affordable senior housing. Construction on the Amherst and Canton communities will begin in Fall 2025, with first residents anticipated in 2027.
Each three-story, wood-framed building will offer 120 studio and one-bedroom apartments, along with a full range of supportive services designed to promote independence and dignity. Amenities include multiple dining spaces, a fitness and physical therapy center, library, beauty/barber shop, community and activity rooms, and thoughtfully designed outdoor areas featuring walking paths, a gazebo, and a patio. WJW Architects is leading the design for all three communities.
“At Silver Birch Living, our purpose-driven mission is to expand access to affordable assisted living for seniors who deserve to live healthy, engaged lives in their own communities,” said Dave Cocagne, Chairman of Silver Birch Living. “We value our partnership with Vermilion Development and are grateful for the collaboration with the State of Ohio and our funding partners that is making these communities possible.”
The Douglas Company is proud to support Vermilion’s work in meeting Ohio’s growing senior housing needs.
“We’re honored that Vermilion Development has entrusted us with these two projects,” said Drew Rahrig, Vice President of The Douglas Company. “Their mission to provide seniors of all means with high-quality, supportive living environments aligns with our commitment to building communities that enhance lives. We’re grateful to partner with Vermilion and Silver Birch Living on developments that will have a meaningful and lasting impact across Northeast Ohio.”
In addition to the Amherst and Canton communities, Vermilion Development is also developing affordable assisted living communities in Mansfield and Bedford Heights, with openings expected in 2026. Construction of the third newly financed project in Cuyahoga Falls will be led by ARCO/Murray.
About The Douglas Company
The Douglas Company is an industry-leading, 100% employee-owned commercial general contractor specializing in multifamily housing and senior living communities. Since 1976, we have partnered with cost-conscious developers across the Eastern United States, delivering consistent results through our integrated Integri-D Process and decades of specialized expertise in complex residential and care environments. With headquarters in Holland, Ohio, and a second office in Orlando, Florida, The Douglas Company is dedicated to building environments that enhance lives and strengthen communities.
For more information, please contact:
Bob Ritter, Director of Business Development
419-309-9715 | britter@douglascompany.com
About Vermilion Development
Vermilion Development is a Chicago-based real estate development and investment firm specializing in community-oriented mixed-use projects and public-private partnerships. Founded in 1992, Vermilion has completed or is currently completing investments and developments totaling more than $1 billion in total capitalization, including 17 affordable assisted living communities in 4 states.
About Silver Birch Living
Silver Birch Living, a partner company to Vermilion Development, is a mission-driven provider of affordable assisted living communities designed to serve Medicaid-eligible seniors and currently operates 12 affordable assisted living communities in IN, IL and AZ, with an additional 5 communities under construction in Ohio. With a focus on dignity, wellness, and community, Silver Birch Living helps residents live healthier, more independent lives while receiving the support they need.
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