LOS ANGELES—Building and operating middle-income senior housingis “the next great challenge” of the real estate industry,according to a panel on the topic at the 3rd Annual InterfaceSeniors Housing Midwest. Soo Im, the director ofdesign at KTGY Architecture and Planning and aspeaker on the panel, says that tackling the issue means creatingan affordable project that also provides amenities and services forseniors. She believes that redevelopment projects will provide thebest way to affordably develop these opportunities.

“With the high percentage of one bedroom and studio units insenior living housing, there are some very attractive opportunitiesfor repurposing buildings like hotels, offices, and hospitals foractive adult rental and Assisted Living and Memory Carecommunities,” Im tells GlobeSt.com. “We are currently working onone of each. The biggest challenge for repurposing existingbuildings is the building dimensions and the structure, whetherthey can provide efficient spacing and sufficient outdoor anddaylight opportunities for the new program. Older buildings inlocations that provide the shopping and entertainment amenities forresidents are a great plus.”