Erickson Senior Living, one of the largest senior living operators in the U.S., plans to build one of Southern California’s biggest congregate care facilities in the Great Park Neighborhoods.
The nearly 1,000-unit senior living project, offering independent living, medical supervision and other support services, is now going through the city’s planning process. The land is currently owned by Five Point Holdings, master developer of the Great Park Neighborhoods.
City records show the 1.8-million-square-foot Congregate Care Retirement Community will have 980 independent living units and up to 194 assisted living and memory care beds in six buildings on 17.7 acres at the southwest corner of Marine Way and the future Ada extension, next to the Irvine Transportation Center.
The site is across from The Cultural Terrace at the Great Park, a 70-acre hub that will include arts, education and community spaces.
The senior community buildings will be between seven and 10 stories tall, according to city records.
On March 25, the city’s Subdivision Committee approved FivePoint’s request to subdivide the land.
“Our vision is to bring a forward-thinking continuing care retirement community to Great Park Neighborhoods that offers independent living with onsite amenities and higher levels of care for its residents,” an Erickson Senior Living spokeswoman wrote in an email to the Business Journal. “We believe our proposed development aligns well with the city’s long-term goals, while responding to the growing needs of seniors and their families.”
Silver Tsunami
The project comes as demand for high-density senior housing grows in Orange County, with developers aiming to serve the aging baby boomer population in suburban areas.
According to a study published in the Journal of Applied Gerontology, by the end of 2030, individuals aged 65+ will account for nearly 21% of the U.S. population, up from 12.4% in 2000.
Last year, Rancho Mission Viejo, which is building 14,000 homes in its 23,000-acre community, announced its first plans to build a 326-home development for people over 55.
In Laguna Hills, the city council approved a 180-unit senior apartment complex.
Earlier this year, the YMCA of Orange County began developing a 105-unit active senior housing project called The Perch Residences, next to the planned 50,000-square-foot Newport-Mesa Family YMCA.
First Senior Community
If completed, Erickson Senior Living’s project would be its first in California.
The Baltimore-based company manages 25 properties in 11 states.
Its website says it serves over 30,000 residents and is ranked among the top five largest senior housing operators in the U.S.
The item is expected to go before the Irvine planning commission on May 7.
