The senior living market is experiencing a moment of profound transition. With occupancy climbing for the seventeenth consecutive quarter and demand far outpacing new supply, the sector has never looked stronger. In fact, quarter one of 2025 marked a new high in occupied units, with net absorption surpassing new construction by more than 2.5 to 1.

With the increasing demand for senior living options, we’re witnessing a new wave of innovation with solutions to meet seniors in every stage of aging. At Sundt, we recognize that one-size-fits-all models are no longer viable. Modern senior living demands not just thoughtful design and quality construction, but a commitment to care, flexibility and long-term solutions.

 

High-Quality Options with Cost-Efficient Delivery

“Sundt’s senior living projects reflect a deliberate sensitivity to value, flexibility and cost-efficient delivery,” said Tucker Macon, Sundt Project Director and market leader for senior living projects. “Our aim is to partner alongside our clients to deliver a product that meets and exceeds the needs of the residents in whatever stage of aging they may find themselves.”

At La Posada at Pusch Ridge, Sundt worked closely with the owner to deliver a high-quality, amenity-rich environment while maximizing scope within the budget. This senior living project consisted of multiple buildings on a new 80-acre campus site and represented the first phase of what is a planned 1 million-square-foot facility.

 

 

The Sundt team, engaged once the owner had secured fully approved construction documents, put together a guaranteed maximum price, supported the client through bond financing and began construction in just a few months. The team expedited construction using self-performed concrete, an approach that yielded both schedule and budget efficiencies.

 

 

“It’s impressive to see how efficient and effective Sundt is in managing schedule. I believe another big differentiator in why our schedule has been executed so well is due to Sundt’s self-perform work. They have had much more control over this project, especially with the concrete team. It made a big difference.”—Joni Condit, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, La Posada

Accommodations for Every Stage of Life

Social and demographic shifts are reshaping what aging in community looks like. There is a significant population of “solo agers” who will be navigating aging alone in addition to those who want to maintain family connections. In all scenarios, housing that is supportive and adaptable is necessary to meet evolving care needs.

 

 

In 2023 Sundt completed an eight-building campus expansion project for Inspirata Pointe at Royal Oaks. The project added a new neighborhood of independent living dwellings and common amenities, including two new dining venues and additional underground and on-grade parking.

Eight years prior, Sundt constructed the Friendship House at Royal Oaks, where 40-year industry veteran Tucker Macon was senior estimator on the project. The impact the project had on Tucker prompted him to spend the last decade honing his expertise in the senior living market. Now, he holds two positions on the board with Royal Oaks.

“I give the ownership group behind Inspirata Pointe at Royal Oaks immense credit for their foresight. We knew starting this project during a global pandemic wasn’t going to be easy, but they remained committed to growth and excellence,” said Tucker. “Their investment in expanding the campus is not only a testament to their vision and contributes to the success of the community for generations to come.”

The campus features a mix of housing types, allowing for both private independence and community engagement. Open-air breezeways connected amenity hubs and social spaces also promote intergenerational interaction, particularly important in fostering socially supportive environments.

 

 

Integrated Design and Personalization

Modern senior living should include choice and design personalization, all of which help empower residents. “At Royal Oaks, residents were able to completely customize their units, a process Sundt helped facilitate. This choice not only enhances the sense of ownership, but also supports well-being and identity, vital for seniors transitioning from long-time homes,” Tucker explained.

 

 

Sundt worked closely with Royal Oaks residents and their marketing team, utilizing a design platform to manage resident unit selections. The communication was meticulously timed, ensuring each available customization was clear to both residents and the marketing team.

Despite pandemic-era supply chain challenges, Sundt adapted quickly, ordering materials in tight timeframes and coordinating 156 unique units, each with its own set of preferences. Some requests were as personal as soundproofing for a pet parrot.

To streamline the experience, QR codes linking to each unit’s customized floor plan were placed on-site, giving residents a digital snapshot of their home while they were standing right in it.

“Being able to provide a space that truly felt like home was incredibly rewarding,” said Sierra Johnson, Sundt Project Engineer leading unit customization for Royal Oaks. “We weren’t just building units; we were making someone’s dream for their home come true.”

“Sundt is upleveling senior living with innovative, flexible and choice-based communities that support residents through every stage of aging,” Tucker said. “Through close client partnerships and efficient, self-perform delivery, we ensure high-quality outcomes tailored to evolving needs.”

As demand rises, we remain committed to building spaces where active adults can thrive with dignity and connection.