Senior Living / What Senior Living Companies Value Most in Construction Partners

By Atiya Rahim, Project Manager

In 2020, I had the privilege of leading the construction of Sunrise of Newton, a 101,000-square-foot, 85-unit assisted living and memory care community for Sunrise Senior Living. This project offered me invaluable insight into what companies like Sunrise prioritize when selecting a construction management partner—and how delivering on those priorities creates vibrant communities for residents.

1. Expertise in Senior Living Construction
Senior living communities are more than buildings; they’re places where people live, thrive, and find comfort. When building Sunrise of Newton, we worked closely with Sunrise’s development team to design a space that prioritized resident well-being and staff efficiency.

• Specialized Design: The memory care units featured layouts designed to support residents with cognitive impairments, while the assisted living spaces were warm and inviting to foster a sense of home.
• Safety and Accessibility: From ADA-compliant bathrooms to carefully planned emergency systems, we ensured every detail supported resident safety and ease of mobility.
• Resident Amenities: Sunrise of Newton includes thoughtfully designed spaces like a bistro where residents can gather for coffee and conversation, and an outdoor park that provides a serene setting for walks, socializing, or simply enjoying nature.

This focus on resident-centered design ensured the community met the high standards Sunrise sets for its properties.

2. Speed to Market and Budget Adherence
Time and budget are always critical in senior living construction, as timely openings are essential for serving residents and generating revenue. The Sunrise of Newton project faced unforeseen challenges due to COVID-19, including labor shortages and shifting project timelines. Despite these obstacles, our team worked collaboratively to keep the project moving forward while ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety.

• Adapting to Schedule Shifts: The pandemic and labor shortages led to unavoidable delays, but our team quickly adapted to the situation. We closely monitored progress, adjusted schedules as needed, and communicated regularly with Sunrise and trade partners to manage expectations and keep everyone aligned. By implementing rigorous safety protocols, including PPE usage, social distancing, and daily health screenings, we prioritized the well-being of the workforce and minimized disruptions. Virtual meetings and frequent communication ensured the project remained on track, even with the shifting timeline.
• Budget Discipline: Throughout the project, we remained focused on managing costs while maintaining the quality that Sunrise properties are known for. The team found creative solutions to stay within budget despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, carefully managing materials and labor resources to reduce unnecessary expenses without compromising on the finished product.

While the schedule was impacted by these external factors, the adjustments we made, combined with our unwavering focus on quality and communication, ensured that the community was ready to welcome its first residents as soon as possible, fulfilling Sunrise’s commitment to providing a safe and comfortable environment for future residents and families.

3. Quality Craftsmanship and Resident Experience
At Erland, we pride ourselves on delivering top-tier craftsmanship, and every phase of the Sunrise of Newton project reflected this commitment. From foundation to finishing touches, our focus was on creating a durable, functional, and well-constructed environment for the residents and staff.
Craftsmanship in Common Areas: The construction of the bistro and other community spaces was executed with precision to create a seamless flow and open, inviting feel. We worked diligently to ensure that all spaces were functional and built to stand up to years of use.

• Outdoor Spaces Built for Longevity: The landscaped outdoor park required careful planning and construction to ensure it was safe, accessible, and weather-resistant. The use of durable materials and thoughtful placement made it an enduring space for residents to enjoy.
• Attention to Detail: Every aspect of the construction, from soundproofing to structural finishes, was executed with meticulous care. This commitment to quality craftsmanship ensured that all areas—whether common spaces or private rooms—were comfortable, safe, and ready for long-term use.

Reflecting on the Sunrise of Newton Experience

The success of Sunrise of Newton is a testament to the power of thoughtful design, meticulous planning, and collaboration. For me, it was a privilege to contribute to creating a community that enhances the lives of its residents.

For any questions regarding this topic, please contact Atiya Rahim at arahim@erland.com.