Senior Community Developer Aims Younger

Inside Indiana Business –
By Dan McGowan –
Oct 12, 2016 –

ZIONSVILLE – Indianapolis-based BHI Senior Living Inc. has announced a $45 million expansion in Zionsville that Chief Executive Officer John Dattilo says positions the nonprofit ahead of a “sea change” in the retirement community industry. Plans call for 150 new duplexes north of the Hoosier Village development on the northwest edge of Marion County. BHI says The Oaks at Hoosier Village “reproduces or continues” the lifestyle of baby boomers looking to relocate before reaching the needs-based stage of care.

Dattilo tells Inside INdiana Business customers nearing retirement age are demanding different things that they have in the past. The new floorplans call for an average of 3,000 square-feet, much larger than typical layouts. Dattilo says “baby boomers want a different product, so we’re creating something entirely new for this market. They want homes and options that duplicate the standard of living they already enjoy. Nobody should have to sacrifice comfort or style simply because they are transitioning in their retirement.”

He says “It sounds a little hokey, but we’re trying to take the senior out of senior living,” adding the industry is moving more toward appealing to a younger demographic who is more active and technology-involved than previous generations of customers.

Construction on a model will begin next month, with additional units being built next year. In addition to Hoosier Village in Indianapolis, BHI also owns The Towne House in Fort Wayne, Four Seasons in Columbus and Wesley Manor in Frankfort.