Senior living community completes Phase 1 of its master plan to reposition & expand campus

The client

Nonprofit life plan community Clark Retirement Community has served the greater Grand Rapids, Michigan, area since its founding in 1906.

The challenge

To meet the changing needs in the market, improve profitability, and further diversify its existing portfolio, Clark determined it was time to undergo a master planning process when expanding its Keller Lake campus. Planning for this project would take place simultaneously with the repositioning at the community’s Franklin campus.

The solution

With the strategic guidance of Plante Moran Living Forward (PMLF) and a clear understanding of the market and financial impacts from PMLF’s feasibility research, Clark completed the master planning process in 2017.

The master plan encompassed three phases that would ultimately transform the campus for the future: adding more than 90 new independent livings (IL) apartments, a new 80-unit assisted living replacement building, and roughly 20 new IL townhomes. Phase 1, totaling $44 million of total project costs, would consist of 48 new IL apartments and renovations of common spaces to add more amenities that support active lifestyles, socialization, wellness programs, and community events.

After board approval for Phase 1, it was apparent Clark’s administration faced several challenges related to construction planning, phasing, and logistics. PMLF was once again engaged, and as development advisor and owner’s representative, provided the experience and resources Clark needed to guide the process after the master planning efforts and through the development continuum.

The benefit

PMLF’s services included overall project management, coordinating project team selection, overseeing the design process, guiding Clark’s team through the local planning and zoning approval process, and facilitating project team alignment while mitigating risk throughout the entire process. PMLF also helped secure financing and actively manages the entire program budget, which kept the organization and project on track with its goals and objectives.

Phase 1 was completed on time in September 2021.

If your community wants to plan a capital improvement program, our experts can help manage the process from the beginning stages of planning to design and construction oversight as an owner’s rep who helps your organization keep the project on scope, budget, and schedule through completion. Contact us today.