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In The Pipeline: Commonwealth Finishes Renovation; Front Porch Acquires Development Firm

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Construction: Planned

Willow Valley announces timeline for Mosaic project

Willow Valley Communities recently announced a timeline for the company’s Mosaic development, a 20-story residential tower for active adults 55 and older in downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania, a news release states.

A building permit application was recently submitted this month with construction expected to start in the spring followed by resident move-ins to start in early 2029, according to the news release.

Mosaic will be a 20-story tower for adults 55+ with 146 single-level residences ranging from 1,600 to 3,300 square-feet, ground-level retail and dining open to the public and amenities for Willow Valley Communities residents.

Construction: In Progress

McDowell Housing Partners starts on affordable housing

McDowell Housing Partners recently started construction on Ekos at Pembroke Park, a 10-story, 150-unit affordable senior housing community.

The project is the area’s first Live Local development and McDowell’s 16th affordable living community.

The latest project in Pembroke Park, Florida follows the construction of Douglas Gardens Senior Health and Living, a 410-unit, new community in Pembroke Pines that serves as the largest affordable living development for seniors in Broward County, according to a news release.

“Ekos at Pembroke Park is our second affordable community in Broward County with 150 apartments for seniors that will also provide direct access to supportive services to help residents thrive and age in place with dignity,” said Patrick McDowell, Chairman & CEO of McDowell Housing Partners. “Ekos at Pembroke Park is a truly affordable housing development that will alleviate Florida’s affordable housing shortfall.”

Ekos at Pembroke Park will deliver 150 well-appointed one-bedroom units ranging from 657 to 680 square feet within a 10-story residential building.

Willamette View receives sustainability recognition

Willamette View, a senior living community near Portland, Oregon, was recently named as a Gold Leader in Sustainability following a multi-year effort to modernize the community, according to a news release.

Between 2022 and 2025, Willamette View expanded electric vehicle charging infrastructure; planned native plans along its riverwalk; expanded access to reusable “to-go” food containers; and prioritized high efficiency cooling, heating and laundry systems.

An ongoing solar project is expected to be completed this fall at the property.

Willamette View is also continuing to invest in clean energy and solar using incentives from the Energy Trust of Oregon, federal tax credits and a grant from the community’s Blue Heron Foundation to help fund a 77-kilowatt solar array installed on one of its rooftops.

Over the past year, The Neighborhoods, Willamette View’s Assisted Living residences, underwent a full renovation to improve energy efficiency and extend the building’s lifespan. Upgrades included new siding and windows, updated HVAC systems, refreshed interiors and a roof prepared for solar technology.

Construction: Completed

Commonwealth Senior Living finishes renovation effort

Commonwealth Senior Living announced the completion of a renovation project to add memory care units to Commonwealth Senior Living at Manassas.

The renovations added a 25-bed memory care neighborhood, a new activity room, new fitness and therapy space, facade renovations plus new siding and windows.

“We are excited to completely revitalize this community and to bring new levels of care to residents and their families at Commonwealth Senior Living at Manassas,” said Earl Parker, President and Chief Executive Officer at Commonwealth Senior Living. “For the past 23 years, we have built a national reputation for developing and implementing an award-winning approach to caring for seniors and developing amazing teams. Through our innovative enrichment programs, world-class dining experience, and research-based memory care offerings, we have been able to improve the lives of our residents, their families, and each other, while also being recognized as a Great Place to Work for the last six consecutive years.”

Front Porch acquires ARCH development firm

Front Porch Communities and Services has acquired ARCH, making the development advisory firm its in-house partner to manage capital projects across Front Porch’s 16 California communities, according to a news release.

Annually, Front Porch invests more than $100 million in capital projects. The move centralizes development to maximize impact under its strategic plan, according to CEO Sean Kelly.

ARCH currently oversees more than $500 million in projects in senior, learning and healing environments. ARCH founder Frank Muraca joins Front Porch as chief development officer and will continue to lead ARCH.

The Shelton Grove opens Connecticut community

The Shelton Grove, a new senior living community in Shelton, Connecticut, recently celebrated the grand opening of the 96-unit property, according to a news release.

Shelton Grove includes a “curated selection” of studio apartments and two-bedroom penthouse units designed to meet the needs of today’s senior living residents.

The two-bedroom units average around 800 square-feet with modern kitchenettes with quartz countertops, electric stoves, microwaves, full-size refrigerators and vinyl flooring. Studio units range between 500 and 670 square-feet, the release said.

Each residence features updated interiors, full kitchens and access to amenities including a fitness center, outdoor pool, clubhouse, private courtyard, outdoor grill and dining area, laundry facilities and dedicated parking.