Seniors Housing Councils Open in Denver and Central Washington - 2/9/2004 - Real Estate Education Training Schools Conferences

Seniors Housing Councils Open in Denver and Central Washington

This brings the number of councils to eight, with existing councils in Greater Atlanta, Maryland/National Capital (Washington, D.C.), Metro Harrisburg (PA), New England, New Jersey and Southern California.

The Denver-area local SHC was formed by the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver to raise awareness of the burgeoning seniors housing market in Colorado. According to U.S. Census data, Colorado’s 55-74 population increased 27% from 1990 to 2000, the fourth-fastest in the country.

“People may not realize it, but Colorado is a hotbed for seniors housing,” said Larry Armstrong, president of Retirement Living Inc. of Colorado and one of the organizers of the new local council. “Everywhere you look, there are aging baby boomers and seniors retiring here. The market is going to be huge over the next few decades.”

Armstrong noted that the Senior Housing Council of the HBA of Metro Denver would try to work closely with local governments to create a more favorable environment for the seniors housing industry.

“Our group will push to have local zoning ordinances that promote the development of age-qualified communities,” Armstrong said. “Active adult communities have a positive impact on the local economy and many other benefits. Our local Seniors Housing Council will try to spread the word.”

The Denver local SHC also will provide education and networking opportunities for its members. Although the council is still in the organizational stage, it has already signed up more than 30 members.

The Seniors Housing Council of Central Washington was formed by the HBA of Central Washington to serve seniors housing professionals in Yakima, Kittitas and Klickitat Counties.

Mike Elliott, president/owner of Mike Elliott Construction and chair of the local council, said his council would emphasize the interests of local remodelers and small and mid-size builders.

“A large community in our area is about 40-50 homes, so we will try to meet the needs of the little guys,” Elliott said. “We also want to promote remodeling for aging in place and the importance of universal design. Although many people move to active adult communities, a large number prefer to stay in their existing home as they get older.”

Elliott anticipates that his three-county area will attract new active adult communities in the future. He feels it is important to educate builders about the opportunities that await them.

“The seniors housing industry is extremely exciting,” said Elliott, noting that his local SHC has already signed up 17 new members. “There’s a lot of interest here in central Washington.”

Local Seniors Housing Councils are valuable resources for industry professionals who serve the burgeoning 50+ market, providing unique opportunities to meet with others who are interested in seniors housing, share ideas and engage in strategic problem-solving.

“Local SHCs promote an environment of mutual support among members — even competitors,” said Bonnie Solomon, vice president of retirement living services for Delmar Gardens Enterprises in St. Louis, and chair of the NAHB Seniors Housing Council. “It’s also the best place to go for information pertinent to your local market. As a member of a local Seniors Housing Council, you enjoy the same benefits as a member of the NAHB Seniors Housing Council and much more. It’s a great value.”

To join the Senior Housing Council of the HBA of Metro Denver, e-mail Michelle Bynum or call her at 303-778-1400 x205.

For more information on the Seniors Housing Council of Central Washington, e-mail Lola Franklin or call her at 509-454-4006.

To learn how to start a local Seniors Housing Council in your area, contact Jeff Jenkins, NAHB Seniors Housing Council, at 800-368-5242 x8292.

For more information on the NAHB Seniors Housing Council, click here.