Tri-Cities will see a boom in housing communities aimed at baby boomers

The Tri-Cities will soon see a boom in communities geared for baby boomers.

Several new 55+ senior living communities are in the works. Most are still in the planning stages, but about 500 units are expected to be added to the market over the next few years.

The common thread among the projects is a desire to create convenient, inclusive and fun environments for folks enjoying their retirement years.

The furthest along is a project in Kennewick just off of Highway 395 near the Southridge area. Kennewick Retirement Residence is about to build a four-story independent living retirement community on the Northwest Corner of Hildebrand Boulevard. It will feature 149 suites.

The company is owned by Hawthorn Senior Living out of Vancouver. Chief Marketing Officer Adam Bryan said the community will offer all inclusive living for retirees.

“We have a little bit different take on senior living than anything else in the Kennewick market,” he said. “Our managers will live on site and participate in the community with the residents.”

The complex will include amenities such as housekeeping, chef-cooked meals, activities, maintenance and dedicated space for medical contractors.

Units will range from 400-square-foot studios to 1,100-square-foot 2-bedroom apartments.

While they don’t yet have a price point set, Adams said they intend to market toward middle-income retirees. They hope to open by the end of 2024.

The community will be close to the Southridge shopping and dining area, which has already proven popular with the 55+ complex Affinity at Southridge.

Affinity at Broadmoor

Affinity also is looking to expand, this time to the Broadmoor development in Pasco.

Dirtwork has already began in the area on the south side of Burns Road for Affinity at Broadmoor.

That development will consist of two communities, Affinity aimed at retirees along with a traditional apartment complex called Hydro at Broadmoor.

Affinity at Broadmoor will be similar to their Southridge property, consisting of a single 180,000-square-foot building with 170 units, geared toward seniors. Plans include a clubhouse, dog park, pickleball court and garden.

Affinity at Southridge also has a small theater, pub and other amenities.

Hydro at Broadmoor will have eight, 32,000-square-foot buildings with 32 units each, for a total of 256 units. It includes a barbecue area, dog park, garden, “tot lot” playground and volleyball and sport courts.

Coming soon

If you’re looking for a retirement community with a great view, then the Badger Mountain South community might be the place for you.

The ownership group of the Richland project are currently courting developers for a 55+ community to go in near Country Mercantile.

They’re estimating about 180 units, and it will be situated near all of the forthcoming retail and restaurants off Dallas Road, due to be built around the same time.

In Kennewick, another developer is looking to add a retiree community with a quiet, park-like setting.

The Resort at Hansen Park is nearing completion of its first three phases, and has plans for a 55+ community in the future portions of the development.

That includes a 105-unit, senior-oriented apartment building.

That community will likely go in on the northwest side of that property.

Cory McCoy

Tri-City Herald

Cory is an award-winning investigative reporter. He joined the Tri-City Herald in Dec. 2021 as an Editor/Reporter covering social accountability issues. His past work can be found in the Tyler Morning Telegraph and other Texas newspapers. He was a 2019-20 Education Writers Association Fellow, and has been featured on The Murder Tapes, Grave Mysteries and Crime Watch Daily with Chris Hansen.