Last week, Senior Project Manager Evan Miller joined panelists at BisNow’s Northeast Senior Housing Conference to discuss the future of senior housing. The event brought together investors, policymakers, and developers from across the region to explore rising occupancy, limited housing supply, sustainability requirements affecting budgets and approvals, and the unit types and care models that are attracting the most investment.
As VHB’s Residential Market Lead, Evan advises our developer partners in creating well designed, permittable, and cost-effective projects. With more than two decades of landscape architecture and design experience, Evan was invited to speak on the panel “Building and Designing Senior Housing Facilities,” where he shared insights on the programming innovations, design shifts, and sustainability upgrades that are reshaping senior housing. He also addressed how Massachusetts’ proposed rent control ballot could impact future development decisions, how wellness is increasingly being integrated as a design philosophy rather than a standalone amenity, and how senior housing developers are balancing rising construction costs with resident’s affordability.
“Shifting demographics, regulatory complexities, and market expectations are all affecting the senior housing sector,” said Evan. “VHB helps clients navigate those changes through local knowledge, strong agency relationships, and integrated planning and design.”
VHB is actively partnering with developers on senior housing throughout the East Coast that support independence, connectivity, and active lifestyles. Examples include:
The Newbury at Brookline | Brookline, MA
VHB provided transportation planning and engineering services to support the repositioning of the former Newbury College campus to an award-winning senior living community. Our team drew on long-standing relationships with the Town of Brookline to help the development team, municipal leaders, and neighbors understand and manage transportation impacts stemming from the redevelopment
Evergreen Crossings | South Windsor, CT
Through close coordination with the architect, client, and local agencies, VHB developed the site plan and supporting infrastructure for this 125-room independent retirement community. The resulting context-sensitive design supports resident mobility, addresses traffic and parking needs, and contributes to a high-quality senior living environment.
Helen Porter Rehabilitation and Nursing Courtyard | Middlebury, VT
Our landscape architecture team planned and designed a therapeutic memory care courtyard for this center that expands opportunities for safe outdoor time and meaningful connection. The space supports resident well-being while creating a welcoming, restorative environment for families and staff.
Discover how VHB helps senior living providers create communities that provide a full continuum of care—from independent and assisting living to memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation.
