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In The Pipeline: Lcs Makes Progress On Multiple Expansions; Watermark Plans Memory Care Project

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In the Pipeline is brought to you by the Senior Housing News Architecture & Design Awards, an annual competition that recognizes cutting-edge design, excellence, and innovation in senior living.

Construction: Planned

Watermark Retirement Communities, University of Arizona students design memory care garden

Watermark Retirement Communities and students from the University of Arizona have collaborated on an evidence-based memory care garden at the Hacienda at the River community in Tucson, Arizona, according to a news release.

The landscape project includes design elements including inward-curing garden beds for wheelchair accessibility, looped pathways to prevent confusion and expanded shade for year-round exercise opportunities. The garden itself is full of nontoxic native plants.

By integrating direct resident feedback and interdisciplinary research from the university’s architecture and integrative medicine programs, the design aims to stimulate memories and support emotional regulation while preserving familiar site landmarks.

Benchmark Senior Living partners again with National Development

Benchmark Senior Living and National Development have acquired and secured financing for a development site in East Brunswick, New Jersey, according to a news release.

The plans call for construction of Benchmark at East Brunswick, an 87-unit assisted living and memory care community. The project is expected to open in 2028.

The partnership marks the third such development between Benchmark and National Development.

Construction: In Progress

LCS Development start expansion project in Connecticut

LCS Development announced the start of construction on the StoneRidge Senior LIving life plan community on a $72 million expansion project, according to a news release.

The expansion project will add 54 independent living apartments and 14 assisted living apartments as part of a new, four-story building to support older adults with updated amenities.

Amenities include four dining venues, an art and maker space, a multipurpose room, theater, workshop and over 4,000 square-feet for wellness amenities, including a fitness studio with cardio and weightlifting equipment.

Assisted living units will be located on the first floor of the community, with independent living occupying the other levels of the building.

This marks the completion of another phase of the StoneRidge master plan across the 32-acre campus that includes nine buildings spanning 472,000 square-feet and serving over 360 older adults.

Construction on the project is expected to last 18 months with move-ins to the new units in December 2027.

The partners on the project include LCS Development, SB&A Architects and KBE Building Corporation.

LCS Development hits construction milestone in Indiana

LCS Development reached a development milestone on the expansion project at the Greenwood Village South life plan community in Greenwood, Indiana, according to a news release.

Stakeholders and representatives celebrated a topping out ceremony on June 15.

The expansion will add 42 new independent living units and 27,000 square-feet of amenity and common spaces. The expansion will bring three new residential buildings, along with a new village commons amenity center.

Amenities in the commons will include an aquatic center, performing arts center, multiple dining venues, gathering spaces and landscaped outdoor areas.

“The topping out of the first Village Flats building marks an important milestone for the entire project team and community,” said Ted Bolles, Project Development Manager at LCS Development. “As the first of three Village Flats buildings to reach this stage, this achievement reflects the tremendous collaboration, dedication and craftsmanship that have gone into the project so far. We are eager to continue construction progress and ultimately welcome residents in 2027.”