Influencers: The Top Names in Senior Housing

Senior housing is benefiting from an incredible demographic tailwind while at the same time struggling with certain issues in supply and demand. Kudos to the men and women who are expert in this space.

Housed under the umbrella of healthcare real estate, senior housing is a sector that is benefiting from an incredible demographic tailwind. That doesn’t mean the asset class doesn’t have its struggles; supply is an issue, as is an element of uncertain demand in the near term. Kudos, then, to the men and women and companies that have become expert in these matters. We take a look at these people, their teams and companies, in the following pages.

WALTER BRAUN Walter Braun sets a new standard for each senior living community that he develops. As SVP of development for Aegis Living, he pushes the boundaries of design, thoughtfulness and functionality to deliver premium care to every resident. Overseeing all processes, from market selection through construction, Braun dramatically accelerates company growth; shortening each project’s development cycle by an average of one year. Constantly securing top properties, his team currently has a seven project pipeline, including $500 million in development along the West Coast. He reshapes senior living experiences through therapeutic designs and programs; aiding residents with memory loss by implementing calming and stimulating surroundings. He mindfully selects locations and embraces local culture to integrate projects, while additionally leading the company’s philanthropy efforts. Utilizing the motto, “never give up,” he attributes his drive to his immigrant experience, when he worked tirelessly every day to prove that he could achieve the “American dream.”

BEN BURKE Since the launch of CA Ventures’ senior housing division, CA Senior Living in 2012, Ben Burke has grown the entity to become a top performer in the market, with 38 communities, 697 employees and an average annual capital of $400 million. As president, Burke oversees and executes site selection, deal identification, development, capital raising and asset management, and he also successfully launched the division’s operating platform, Anthology, last year. Under his leadership, the platform develops innovative resident care solutions and forward-thinking applications, catered to each resident through training, programming and technology. Burke fuels the growth of CA Senior Living by supporting team members and improving services offered to families. At 36 years old, he is a sought-after thought leader in the industry; often called upon as a a speaker at industry events and a source for national media outlets.

MICHELLE CLARK As VP of development at Domus Development LLC, Michelle Clark vigorously advocates for affordable senior living. In her current role, she cultivates independent communities that offer distinguished environments to middle-class seniors. Influenced greatly by her mother’s struggle with Alzheimers, Clark holds a strong passion for helping those who raised us. As a Certified Healthcare Interior Designer with a background in architecture, she is able to combine her design abilities with her personal caregiving experience to create quality housing. Striving to provide every individual with the luxury and ability to age with dignity while feeling safe and cared for, Clark’s impact encompasses not only her developments’ residents, but the industry as a whole. She speaks at conferences to share research with industry professionals, she is involved in countless organizations and she has additionally been published as a contributing author within the sector.

MICHAEL COSTA An influential advocate for quality affordable senior housing, Michael Costa employs a creative, devoted approach to delivering long-term value. As president and CEO of Highridge Costa, he believes that low-income housing should be well-built, resident-focused and aesthetically pleasing. Under his leadership, the firm offers development, financing, construction and asset management services, while creating consistent returns for clients. Among the first private developers to build large-scale, quality affordable senior housing, Costa has supervised the development and financing of nearly 40,000 affordable units throughout his career. While working with government officials on affordable senior housing issues, Costa betters the lives of seniors by partnering each development with a non-profit organization, to offer residents socialization, health, wellness and transportation services. In addition to guiding his firm to develop more than $4.5 billion in affordable housing tax credits, Costa established a new standard under the 1986 LIHTC program, allowing the firm to maintain in-house expertise, therefore assuring quality throughout the entire development cycle.

ROOSEVELT DAVIS Roosevelt Davis’ vision and guidance has positioned Fannie Mae to be one of the nation’s largest senior housing mortgage debt lenders. As national director and head of senior housing production, Davis streamlines access to capital for sponsors and operators. Setting historic loan volume records in within the sector and increasing transaction volume for the firm, he oversaw the financing of $12 billion in loans between 2015 and 2018. He restructured the firm’s senior housing team; hiring and training each new member to build a group than currently manages more than $16 billion. Deeply affected by his grandmother’s passing in a nursing home that lacked sufficient care, Davis holds a passion for providing safe, comfortable homes for the elderly. He aims to increase affordable spaces in the market so that retired city workers can remain in the districts that they devoted their livelihoods to. An industry speaker, mentor and council member, Davis continually urges that “we must provide for the future and protect our past.”

JACOB GEHL Jacob Gehl’s passion and drive for senior housing is as equally apparent as his genuine, positive personality. While his peers note that he would have succeeded within any sector, Gehl chose to make an impact in senior housing due to his deep respect for elders and a sense of calling to care for those who paved the way for him. He founded Blueprint HCRE six years ago, with a mission to provide greater attention to his clients. He has since grown the company into a distinguished brokerage firm and powerhouse. As managing director, Gehl oversees recruitment, growth strategy and business development throughout the firm’s four offices. Representing investors and institutions, he has served as a broker on several high-profile transactions, while continuously building mutually beneficial relationships. A well-liked, hard worker both socially and professionally, Gehl supports numerous senior-oriented charities, while regularly encouraging others to undertake similar endeavors.

MANNY GONZALEZ pioneer in senior housing design, Manny Gonzalez creates high-performing, award-winning, resident-focused communities through his work in design, land planning and production. He has produced more than 20,000 living environments, while constantly pushing the boundaries of efficiency, sustainability, health and well-being. As the managing principal for KTGY Architecture + Planning’s 55+ practice group, he generates flex spaces with innovative amenities to accommodate residents’ changing desires. Constantly evaluating needs to propel the sector forward, he conducts personal research, such as post-occupancy interviews, to receive valuable information; ensuring each development is better than the last. He oversaw the state-of-the-art renovation for the nation’s largest affordable, age-restricted development, which attracted a 3,000-plus waitlist. He has additionally published prominent industry design guides and books, as his concepts are widely incorporated in architects’ designs, internationally. With an unwavering commitment to elevate the industry, he has contributed to countless media interviews, presentations, lectures and articles to educate fellow colleagues and enhance resident lives.

GENE GUARINO Gene Guarino has enhanced nearly every aspect of the residential assisted living industry. Within his group of companies, AL Family, he founded the Residential Assisted Living Academy (RALA), as the first national training organization for the sector. More than 2,000 people have graduated from RALA’s immersion training, resulting in the production of more than 500 residential care homes. Within AL Family, Guarino has additionally launched RAL National Association to bring together industry professionals, Family Legacy Homes to provide investment opportunities, AL Network Academy and the RAL National Convention, which hosts more than 600 members to offer education, group purchasing power, legal support and more. Serving as a thought leader and an accomplished representative of the industry, Guarino travels the globe to speak on creating, operating and investing in RAL homes. He is a frequent guest on podcasts and television interviews, and he additionally authored a best-selling book as a guide to senior housing investing.

ISABELLE GUARINO At 28 years old, Isabelle Guarino serves as an inspiration to not only her peers, but industry professionals twice her age. As COO of AL Family, the largest private education provider in the residential assisted living industry, Guarino has centered her career around seniors and those that serve them. She has structured AL Family to become an industry leader in education and support, while overseeing day-to-day operations and managing a team of more than 25 people. Instrumental in increasing the company’s revenue by more than 200%, Guarino has assisted in generating more than $7 million in annual income. As a driving force in the company’s expansion, she additionally created a charity that raises funds to care for and support seniors in poverty stricken Jamaican communities.

KEVIN KINIGSTEIN Recognizing the lack of specialized commercial real estate attorneys within the senior housing niche, Kevin Kinigstein saw an opportunity to differentiate himself. Gaining first-hand experience by actively pursuing senior housing projects with existing clients, and gaining in-depth market knowledge on the sector’s unique issues, Kinigstein established himself as a top advisor to senior housing developers, owners, operators and investors, nationally. As a partner at Cox, Castle and Nicholson, he built and expanded the firm’s senior housing group to become one of the largest on the West Coast, assembling a team to provide previously-unavailable, value-add services. Making a positive difference in the lives of millions, he represents clients across all asset types and simultaneously counsels first-time investors and industry veterans on transaction negotiations and complex risks, while coordinating with local counsels across the nation to navigate state-specific licensure issues.

MIKE PARDOLL Mike Pardoll has risen throughout Marcus & Millichap‘s ranks consistently, for decades. As senior director of the firm’s national senior housing group, Pardoll serves as a market specialist and a leading industry broker. With more than 35 years of experience in property acquisition, disposition and management, his expertise extends across all senior product types. Exclusively representing senior housing buyers and sellers across the US, Pardoll has sold or leased more than 440 properties within the sector, totaling more than $2 billion. He has been honored with many internal recognitions: receiving the National Achievement Award nearly every year since 1996, and ranking in the firm’s Top 30 list, ten times. His work in the industry, assisting struggling facilities with new ownership opportunities to better serve residents, has positively impacted numerous communities.

ADAM SASOUNESS Adam Sasouness has set a precedence for execution speed that was previously unheard of in the industry. As co-CEO and founding partner, he grew Dwight Capital to be a top-5 HUD nationwide lender in its second year after inception. While treating quality and speed with equal importance, he oversees originations, underwriting, capital markets and closings for the firm. He created a bridge loan platform, empowering experts to acquire and restore underperforming senior housing assets, while aiming to increase equity investments in skilled nursing facilities. Under Sasouness’ leadership, the firm’s bridge pipeline, which consists of 25% senior housing, is projected to exceed $1 billion next year. In addition to transacting multi-million dollar deals and saving healthcare facilities substantial debt, he expanded the firm’s offices and recently built a new acquisition division. Maintaining an open-door policy and hands-on leadership, Sasouness ensures that everyone excels to their fullest potential, while remaining at the frontline of innovation.

KRISTOPHER YETMAN Kristopher Yetman challenges the status quo to alter the way people perceive aging environments. Having only been in the senior care sector for six years, he has developed a concept that creates significant returns in the industry, without compromising resident care or quality of life. As director of development at Benchmark, Yetman implements strategies and generates new projects that push the boundaries of senior living. In 2017, he launched a new community concept that won numerous awards and spurred additional locations. Currently, he is developing a memory care community as an adaptive reuse project; transforming a 1700s historical building into a state-of-the-art facility with various amenities and stimulating equipment, including a brain gym, where residents can attain cognitive workouts via virtual reality tours. Yetman continues to artfully bridge meaningful relationships and high-quality, scientific care, by seeking innovative ways to benefit seniors within thoughtfully designed communities.

SENIOR HOUSING TEAMS

Lauren Zimmerman- Cook
Stephen Zimmerman

AEC LIVING EXECUTIVE TEAM Lauren Zimmerman-Cook and Stephen Zimmerman spent their childhoods within their family’s assisted living communities. As CEO and COO of AEC Living, respectively, they have devoted their lives to benefiting seniors. Since taking over their family business, the two have expanded AEC Living to comprise fitness, rehabilitation, in-home care, assisted living residences and memory care facilities. As the firm’s executive management team, the two simultaneously oversee staff, ensure work-flow, drive strategies and direct growth. They have developed an array of product types, renovated communities, launched Medicare-approved fitness and therapy facilities and provided in-home health services through AEC Home Care. They have impacted local seniors by founding Elders Village, a non-profit that hosts free senior wellness classes, and launching Alameda Senior Magazine, a quarterly publication to spread knowledge within the field. Truly invaluable to their community, they serve on various board of directors, they host holiday events for seniors and they lead the city’s Meals on Wheels program, personally delivering meals to seniors every week. As an attorney at law, Lauren has a masters in Gerontology, a masters in Law Taxation, a doctorate in Law and numerous senior housing certifications. Stephen also has his masters in Gerontology and several certifications, in addition to serving on the Alameda Chamber of Commerce.

Aaron Rosenzweig
Jay Wagner
Richard Swartz

CUSHMAN & WAKEFIELD NATIONAL SENIOR HOUSING CAPITAL MARKETS GROUP Upon sensing tremendous sector growth, vice chairman, Richard Swartz and executive managing director, Jay Wagner, launched Cushman & Wakefield’s National Senior Housing Capital Markets Group in 2010. Providing a sophisticated capital markets approach, the initiative has grown to become a leading intermediary within the market. Offering multi-dimensional expertise surrounding investment sales, debt placement and equity joint-venture, the full-service group has garnered a high-level of respect; interacting daily with major owners, operators, investors and lenders. Often influencing investor pricing through its industry presence, the team is regularly solicited to engage in various sector issues, including geographic market trends, product design and programming, operator competencies and financial metrics. The team of 12 professionals, led by Swartz, Wagner and managing director, Aaron Rosenzweig, has handled nearly 200 senior housing transactions since inception, totaling more than $7 billion in volume. The group has raised nearly $3 billion in debt financing and more than $500 million in joint-venture equity. In 2018, the group handled more than $1 billion in sales volume, dealing with many high-profile portfolio sales. Additionally, the group has consistently ranked #2 for senior housing sales volume for the past two years.

John Sherman
Shep Roylance

THE SHERMAN & ROYLANCE GROUP AT COLDWELL BANKER COMMERCIAL John Sherman & Shep Roylance have built a top brokerage team within the senior housing market. The Sherman & Roylance Group at Coldwell Banker Commercial holds more than 100 years of combined market experience, representing a strong reputation, respected relationships and in-depth expertise. Constantly providing a return on investment as experts in the field, the team offers world-class services and secure transaction coordination for senior housing, assisted living and long-term care facilities. Roylance holds an extensive background in bankruptcy sales, with in-depth knowledge of the healthcare industry. His unique, proven abilities focus on the complex financial aspects of senior housing acquisitions and sales. As CEO of healthcare recruitment firm, JSA Search Inc., Sherman has vast experience within the sector. He frequently contributes to the sector; volunteering to socialize with residents and donating therapy dogs to senior facilities. Deeply immersed in the industry, Sherman and Roylance have each been rewarded Coldwell Banker’s Society of Excellence Award, and were additionally named the firm’s #1 senior living advisors, internationally, last year. Together, Sherman and Roylance have created an unstoppable team through their combined passion to build a valuable future and improve quality care.

SENIOR HOUSING COMPANIES

Dana Roberts
Karl Kreutziger

C.W. DRIVER COMPANIES Founded 100 years ago, C.W. Driver is celebrating a century of impacting commercial real estate. A premier builder across the Western US, the firm provides general contracting, construction management and design/build services as the longest-standing licensed builder. Since entering the senior housing sector 20 years ago, the firm has completed or commenced construction on nine senior living projects, totaling more than $475 million in contract value. C.W. Driver leverages its extensive expertise to develop senior housing structures, from assisted living and memory care facilities to upscale active adult living communities. Involved in each phase of the project, the firm strives to meet the physical, emotional and intellectual needs of tenants through construction. While coordinating with state and local regulatory agencies on permits and inspections, the firm collaborates with various stakeholders throughout the project to develop unique building features and onsite services, such as healthcare, wellness, social and entertainment programs. Simultaneously focusing on quality, architectural integrity, timeliness and savings, the firm expertly anticipates the needs of senior housing communities; taking into account design components to accommodate wheelchairs, medical equipment, commercial kitchens and more. In efforts to drive down project costs, accelerate schedules, eliminate future corrective measures and facilitate collaboration, the firm additionally stays at the forefront of technology; constantly adopting the latest software to ensure a smooth, painless process for clients. With a 2018 revenue of $686.9 million, the award winning, multi-faceted builder continues to earn prestigious rankings nationwide, while instilling philanthropic efforts as a definitive aspect of its company culture.

Billy Meyer

COLUMBIA PACIFIC ADVISORS Columbia Pacific Advisors has established itself as one of the most active lenders and buyers in the senior housing sector. Headquartered in Seattle, the firm holds deep expertise in investments, developments and operational services. Deeply understanding the complexities and nuances of underlining loans, the firm executes quickly, assuring borrowers can effectively carry-out their business plans. Offering short-to-intermediate-term financing, the firm has completed more than $13 billion in related transactions over the past 25 years. Additionally, the firm’s managed funds have developed or acquired more than 300 senior living communities totaling more than 25,000 units, within the past ten years. In 2017, prior to securing numerous prominent transactions, Columbia Pacific Advisors acquired Hawthorn Retirement Group, a company that owned and operated 55 senior living communities with an additional 24 communities under development. In 2018, the firm completed a $242.7 million loan to facilitate the acquisition and recapitalization of an 18 property portfolio encompassing 196 independent living, 1,257 assisted living, 378 memory care and 479 skilled nursing beds across 11 states. Compassionate to those in need, managing director, Billy Meyer leads by example; ensuring employees abide by the firm’s mission statement: to support community-based charities and causes in order to enrich the lives of those around them.

Shlomi Ronen

DEKEL STRATEGIC INVESTORS A division of Dekel Capital, Dekel Strategic Investors aims to change the perception and development of senior living facilities throughout the US. The firm invests joint-venture equity, and partners with developers to create home-like atmospheres for residents, opposed to the institutional-feel often associated with such facilities. The firm implements high-end amenities such as Cordon Bleu-trained chefs, yoga studios, hair and nail salons and movie theaters to offer residents exceptional care. Throughout the past few years, Dekel Strategic Investors has acted as the driving force behind several of the country’s finest senior living facility developments. In 2018, the firm arranged a $17 million construction loan and provided $8.4 million in joint-venture equity for a 124-unit assisted living and memory care facility in AZ. Last year, the firm additionally structured a $14.1 million bridge-loan for an 86,467-square foot, 107-unit state-of-the-art community and also arranged a construction loan for a 130-unit, class-A senior housing property. Earlier this year, the firm arranged $59.4 million in debt and equity financing for the construction of a five-story, 113-bed facility in California. Leading the division, principal Shlomi Ronen simultaneously serves as an adjunct professor for USC’s Masters of Real Estate program, teaching graduate level courses on capital markets. As a frequent presenter at industry conferences, Ronen encourages employees to improve lives by actively supporting local causes.

Benjamin Levine
Jeffrey Levine
Jessica Sherman

DOUGLASTON DEVELOPMENT A pioneer in the senior housing space since the 1990’s, Douglaston Development foresaw the emerging societal and economic demand for high-quality senior living products upon its first development in Staten Island. Aware that assisted living is financially out of reach for many prospective users in the New York market, the firm focuses on market-rate, affordable properties to meet the expanding needs of the diverse and growing senior population. Working to keep prices down, the firm successfully offers high-class amenities and appropriate care to its residents. Championing forward-thinking design while identifying transformative large-scale development opportunities, Douglaston Development has completed more than $2 billion in ground-up developments, with 380 senior units currently in pre-development across Manhattan. The firm recently developed the Seaview campus in Staten Island, consisting of a 160-unit building and a 122-bed building. Supporting the borough’s economy by hiring locals, the firm ensured that the Seaview project subcontracted 30% local businesses. The developer significantly impacts the community through its history of non-profit partnerships. For this project, the firm partnered with the local Jewish Community Center to provide numerous resident resources, such as tax exemption qualification screenings and Medicare and Medicaid enrollment. Additionally, the firm partnered with the Chinese-American Planning Council to teach English, upon identifying that most residents had immigrated to the US from Asia. The firm also implements advanced technology into its facilities, utilizing first-alert emergency call buttons and updated communication technologies throughout, for improved quality of life.

Stephen Rosenberg

GREYSTONE Greystone furthers innovative financing solutions for the industry, as one of the largest funding providers for nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities. The firm is currently ranked the #1 HUD multifamily and healthcare lender, providing property investors with long-term, low-rate financing for acquisitions, construction or refinancing. The firm’s expertise includes HUD-insured loans, bridge and mezzanine loans, preferred equity, sale leaseback, agency financing and comprehensive underwriting services. Through Greystone Healthcare Investments, the firm advises owners on refinancing and repositioning their assets while providing expansive capital services, including leveraging sale-leaseback strategies, utilizing triple net-lease financing options and offering an off-balance sheet program for alternate financing options. Through such practices, the firm expedites the application process and allows providers to sell their properties while maintaining operations. Greystone has built a dynamic finance platform, resulting in many industry milestones. The firm continually ranks high for Fannie Mae senior housing loan volume, and consistently ranks in the top ten for Freddie Mac senior housing loan volume. As a Freddie Mac Optigo Lender, the firm closed the first Freddie Mac senior housing revolving credit facility. In 2017, Greystone originated more than $1 billion in healthcare loans and in 2018, the firm achieved a record volume for its senior and healthcare facility bridge loans, more than doubling 2017’s volume. Additionally, the firm closed the Greystone Commercial Real Estate Notes 2018-HC1, a $300 million CLO backed exclusively by bridge loans. It marks the industry’s first-ever CLO pool comprised solely of healthcare assets, and it presents a new financing option for the skilled nursing sector.

Nick Gesue

LANCASTER POLLARD Seizing the opportunity to specialize in the growing, underserved market of senior living, Brian Pollard founded Lancaster Pollard in 1988. Originally a small investment banking company, the firm focused intensely on the niche sector, utilizing an entrepreneurial financing approach to grow its services and identify organic growth opportunities across the country. The firm evolved from a two-person operation in 1996, to an industry leader with a significant national presence. Lancaster Pollard’s success led ORIX USA to acquire the firm in 2017, which led to a merger with RED Mortgage Capital in 2019. Continuing to operate under its existing brand, as a division of ORIX Real Estate Capital, Lancaster Pollard remains decided to senior living and healthcare. By identifying and evaluating changes and needs within the market, the firm adjusts its portfolio of products to offer clients a broad platform of services based on their credit and objectives, such as investment banking, mortgage banking, private equity, balance sheet financing and M&A advisory offerings. For 30 years, the firm has provided comprehensive capital solutions for new construction, rehabilitations, renovations, acquisitions and refinance projects. Establishing the ProperoTM Seniors Housing Equity Fund, the firm additionally introduced an innovative private-equity fund to invest in properties as the sole owner, while utilizing a triple-net lease structure to partner with operators. The firm has closed more than 2,600 transactions in excess of $27 billion. Consistently ranked as a top lender, the firm additionally serves as a thought-leader, publishing The Capital Issue, a monthly publication that provides timely insights on senior housing and care to 20,000 subscribers.

John Strockis
Michael Schwartz

SMARTSTOP ASSET MANAGEMENT SmartStop brand began in 2007 with SmartStop Self Storage Inc., a self-managed self-storage company structured as a REIT, and the only self-storage non-traded REIT at the time. Upon one of the most successful liquidity events in industry history, in which the storage company sold for $1.4 billion in 2015, SmartStop has since created an impressive real estate empire. Since inception, the company has managed a portfolio of nearly $2 billion in assets under management, while transacting $5.7 billion in deals. As a diversified real estate investment and asset management firm, SmartStop Asset Management entered the senior housing space in 2016 to provide a resident-focused management perspective. In 2018, the firm completed its first acquisition, and it now handles a $200 million class-A senior housing portfolio, consisting of 650 beds across four senior housing communities. Serving private-pay, middle-income seniors, the firm aims to deliver high-quality, affordable housing to residents that are often priced out of luxury senior living and do not qualify for low-income housing. The firm places a strong emphasis on resident compatibility, technology and nutritious, restaurant-quality food to create value in its communities. The firm recently executed an improvement plan at its property; engaging in on-site management, conducting resident interviews and retaining industry consultants to carry-out due diligence and determine needs. Based upon its research, the firm renovated and redesigned the space, developed additional memory care units, recruited best-in-class chefs and staff, and upgraded technology, all within a timely matter. The firm implemented telemedicine technology for personalized, secure networks to connect residents with doctors and healthcare providers, and integrated point-of-sale technology systems in all kitchens, for customized dining programming to measure food costs and elevate each resident’s culinary experience.

Carl S. Ede
Christine Cook
Gary Koerner
Rockland (Rocky) Berg

THREE Three seamlessly blurs the lines between luxury resort and operational facility. With a core mission “to transform lives through design that lifts the human spirit,” the architects at three are committed to innovation, creative solutions and impactful design. To begin its design process, the firm engages with each client in a workshop to identify a vision and produce key, emotional components; treating each project distinctively unique. Primarily serving the senior residential and hospitality sectors, three is an established leader within both markets. Often designing five-star hotels, three is able to overlap and implement hospitality influences for enhanced resident experiences and improved operational efficiencies within senior housing. Producing numerous market-leading works across a broad spectrum of property-types, the firm combines design methods to create alluring, compelling and comfortable spaces to retire. An acclaimed senior living development for the firm, Edgemere retirement community in Texas offers 423 continuing-care units and boasts a soothing, villa aesthetic with a tile-roof and a ballroom-inspired dining room with dramatic arches. An opposing designs that is equally as thoughtful, the firm is currently creating an addition to Harbor’s Edge retirement community in Virginia—a 24-story, high-rise tower that entices residents with 360-degree waterfront and cityscape views, featuring resort-style sensibility. Methodically balancing resident needs, innovation and each owner’s unique vision, three delivers upscale, high-performing properties, consistently resulting in lasting relationships and return on investments. Praised by owners and operators regarding its architectural utility for medical response systems, food services, flexible spaces and amenity provision, three is renowned regionally and nationally, having received many top industry “best-in-class” design awards.

David Taormino

WEST DAVIS ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP Recognizing its community’s record-low vacancy rates, West Davis Active Adult Community Planning Group took action to remedy the housing crisis in a sustainable way. While garnering community support, the group promotes active housing solutions for seniors in the limited market. Crediting its success to the public, the group created a pivotal project for the city of Davis, CA. Presenting four different components of single-story homes, affordable senior apartments, a University Retirement Community expansion site and a public activity and wellness center, the Bretton Woods development allows seniors to remain in their community, while ensuring that all age groups have representation in the competitive market. The project caters to seniors’ needs by offering a variety of housing options including bungalows, cottages, greenway homes, custom home lots, condos and apartments. Additionally, the community provides luxury, subsidized affordable housing for low-income residents. The group meticulously implemented thoughtful design aspects and sensible home modifications; from the integration of medical services and social amenities, to custom suites and flexible caregiver options. The community features a gym, retail space, offices, a restaurant, a coffee house and more than two miles of walking paths, allowing seniors the ability to retain a rich lifestyle with small-town charm. Requiring public approval for the residential development, the planning group coordinated extensive community outreach to gain support. Highlighting the pressing need for senior housing, the group sparked voters’ attention in running a successful campaign to propose the development. Praising the public’s substantial role in the robust planning process, the group has made a lasting impact on the community; creating a truly accessible place for transitioning seniors, while executing its mission “to elevate aging in place.”

Paul Freitag

WEST SIDE FEDERATION FOR SENIOR AND SUPPORTIVE HOUSING The West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing (WSFSSH) continues to establish itself as a well-respected senior housing organization; currently serving 1,800 New Yorkers across 24 buildings throughout the city. As the crisis for senior homelessness grows, WSFSSH provides a model for community-based developments by offering a safe space with comprehensive social services to benefit seniors. Working with diverse community stakeholders to combat the critical public need, the organization navigates complex urban development challenges, such as overcoming historic trends of redlining, mitigating environmental contaminants, rethinking restrictive zoning and changing historic capital disinvestment in the South Bronx. The organization has developed two marquee supportive senior housing projects in the past few years. WSFSSH at West 108, currently under construction, will offer a 100% affordable housing community, featuring 199 units and a new facility serving 110 seniors with healthcare services. WSFSSH additionally opened Tres Puentes / Borinquen Court this year, seamlessly combining three free-standing buildings to create a luxury space for affordable supportive senior housing. Beginning as a coalition of social service agencies, religious institutions and community organizations, WSFSSH constantly assists residents with challenges by offering social work services, tailored to maximize benefits. The organization is committed to collaboration and clinical supervision, enhancing each community with offerings such as crisis intervention, in-home care service arrangements, medical care arrangements, money management, counseling and support, as well as social, educational and recreational activities. Incorporating compassionate property management with on-site programs, WSFSSH provides seniors with a quality place to call home. The organization has navigated through growth to provide a guiding light for city policy, proving that supportive housing can be quality housing.

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