Senior-living provider Landis Homes plans to erect 35 villa-style residential units on the western edge of its campus in Manheim Township, Lancaster County.
The $27 million project reflects continuing demand for retirement living — 34 of the units have already been pre-sold — said Corey Hamilton, CFO for the nonprofit.
The units, mostly two-bedrooms, will range in size from 1,100 to 1,600 square feet, he said. They will be known as The Gardens.
Landis Homes also plans to restore an 18th-century barn near the units where the nonprofit will create a woodshop and other crafts spaces for residents.
When is this happening: Landis Homes expects to begin construction in late summer and wrap up by fall 2025.
The nonprofit is currently selecting a contractor for the project, likely a local company, Hamilton said.
What’s next: Another project, called The Meadows, which will add 52 units in four buildings.
The units are called hybrids, since they blend features of both apartments and villas, Hamilton said.
Units come with covered parking spaces and allow light through more than one side.
Construction could begin on one or two of the buildings in two or three years, he added.
Both The Meadows and The Gardens flank a restored wetland area on the Landis Homes campus south of East Oregon Road.
The background: Founded in 1964, Landis Homes has nearly 900 residents in a variety of settings.
The nonprofit recently opened a 79-unit apartment building at 239 W. King St. in downtown Lancaster. It is 90% leased and should be fully occupied within the next several months, Hamilton said.
The trend: Cities and counties in Central Pennsylvania routinely win high marks as great places to retire, largely due to the relatively lower cost of living.
At the same time, Pennsylvania has a higher share of older residents than other states, driving demand for senior housing.
State officials are currently drafting a 10-year plan for improving the services available to aging Pennsylvanians.
