ARCO National Construction Delivers Atria Senior Living Project Through Design-Assist Approach

ARCO National Construction delivered a 198,000-square-foot independent living community for Atria Senior Living after leading a design-assist redesign that reduced the project budget by more than $8.5 million and restored financial feasibility. The completed community includes 138 one- and two-bedroom units supported by a robust amenity program focused on wellness, engagement, and resident experience. 

ARCO was engaged after the project faced significant financial challenges that threatened its viability. Through a collaborative design-assist approach, ARCO helped realign the project with the owner’s budget and operational goals and enabled the project to move forward.

Prior to ARCO’s involvement, the project experienced a 37 percent cost increase as the design progressed from design development to construction documents under the original general contractor. This escalation rendered the proforma unworkable and placed the project at risk of cancellation. 

ARCO was brought in to evaluate the project and identify a path forward that preserved the owner’s vision while addressing budget realities. The challenge required not only cost control, but also a rethinking of the design and delivery strategy to better align with operational needs.

ARCO implemented a comprehensive design-assist solution, engaging a new architect and structural engineer to redesign the building in collaboration with Atria’s ownership and operations teams. This collaborative redesign aligned the building layout with day-to-day operations, improved constructability, and eliminated unnecessary cost drivers. 

The redesign reduced the overall project budget by more than $8.5 million, restoring financial feasibility without compromising quality or resident comfort. Early contractor involvement and disciplined cost management were critical to achieving these results.

The completed facility includes 138 one- and two-bedroom independent living units, many with private balconies that enhance resident comfort and access to outdoor space. Interior common areas were designed to encourage social interaction and provide a welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. 

Key amenities include a 1,700-square-foot lobby and bistro, beauty salon and barber shop, built-in theatre, and multiple gathering spaces that support Atria’s resident engagement model.

Wellness and lifestyle enrichment were central to the project’s design. The community includes an indoor swimming pool, fitness and wellness centers, and a commercial kitchen that supports daily dining operations.  

Outdoor amenities include an outdoor kitchen and pergola, a putting green, bocce ball court, an outdoor stage, and an offsite pedestrian walking trail that encourages active living.

In addition to building amenities, ARCO coordinated the installation of an underground stormwater detention system, supporting site performance while preserving usable outdoor space. Structural and site solutions were aligned with the redesigned building layout to ensure long-term functionality and resilience. 

By addressing infrastructure needs early in the redesign process, ARCO helped minimize risk and support a smooth delivery process.

The successful delivery of the Atria Senior Living community highlights ARCO National Construction’s ability to step into complex, at-risk projects and deliver meaningful value through collaboration and technical expertise. By realigning design, budget, and operational goals, ARCO transformed a nearly cancelled project into a high-quality independent living facility tailored to the needs of both residents and operators.