Senior living is evolving. Gone are the days of institutional settings with one-size-fits-all designs. Today’s residents expect environments that meet their physical needs while supporting their independence, engagement, and overall well-being. From luxury finishes to purpose-built wellness centers, the bar for senior living construction has never been higher.
According to a 2024 report by NIC MAP Vision, over 60% of prospective senior living residents now cite wellness-focused amenities and access to outdoor space as “must-haves.” Communities that deliver on these expectations are seeing higher occupancy rates and stronger long-term value.
At Crain Construction, we’ve seen this shift firsthand through our decades of experience building senior living communities throughout Nashville. Our recent work on The Crestmoor at Green Hills—a landmark 12-story retirement community—embodies this new generation of senior living spaces.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the key amenities and construction strategies that are shaping senior living today and how our team helped bring them to life at The Crestmoor by getting our pre-construction team involved early to work with the design architect to provide solutions, feedback, and cost controls.
Top Amenities Senior Living Residents Want in 2025
Modern senior living design revolves around creating functional spaces that nurture social, emotional, and physical well-being. Here’s how Crain Construction integrated these at The Crestmoor:
Active Living Amenities
Residents desire opportunities to maintain an active lifestyle. Well-equipped fitness centers, indoor pools for aquatic exercise, dedicated yoga and movement studios, and accessible walking paths that encourage mobility and engagement in daily routines.
The Crestmoor includes a high-end fitness center for classes like yoga, tai chi, and strength training. Its heated indoor pool is used for aqua fit sessions, offering a low-impact workout option that supports joint health and rehabilitation.
Elevated Comfort and Convenience
A hospitality-influenced approach is increasingly valued, offering residents more autonomy and choice in their daily lives. Amenities like on-site salons for personal care, multiple dining venues offering diverse culinary experiences, convenient concierge services, and spa-style spaces contribute to a higher quality of life.
At Crestmoor, Crain incorporated a full-service spa and salon, providing residents with easy access to personal care services. We also constructed multiple dining venues, offering a range of menus to cater to different tastes and preferences.
Access to the Outdoors
Connection with nature is vital for mental and emotional well-being. Thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces such as gardens, patios, secure courtyards, and accessible terraces provide valuable areas for socialization, relaxation, and simply enjoying fresh air.
Even in the heart of Green Hills, we made outdoor living a priority at the Crestmoor. Residents have access to a beautifully landscaped outdoor terrace that creates a peaceful escape from the surrounding urban site.
Community and Programming Spaces
Dedicated areas that foster social interaction and engagement are crucial for combating isolation. Seniors seek spaces for art and music activities, libraries and reading rooms, and multi-purpose rooms. Social events, visiting speakers, and partnerships with nearby institutions help connect residents to the broader community.
The Crestmoor includes rooms for these private events, concerts, and classes. Residents have access to over 300 monthly life enrichment programs designed to create community and purpose.
Residential Design and Atmosphere
Creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that feels like home is paramount. Smaller-scale architectural elements, flexible communal spaces that encourage interaction, and careful attention to interior finishes and lighting can significantly enhance residents’ comfort and sense of belonging.
Each floor of the Crestmoor has its own unique layout to avoid a “cookie-cutter” feel. During construction, we transformed the 9th and 10th floor from independent living units into penthouse suites to provide a wider variety of living spaces for residents.
Technology Integration for Independence
Modern technology plays an increasingly important role in senior living. Residents can enhance their independence through app-based communication platforms to stay connected with staff and family, telehealth capabilities for accessible healthcare, and on-site tech support.
At Crestmoor, the infrastructure was designed with the capacity to support state-of-the-art technology and communication systems, ensuring the community can adapt to evolving technological advancements that benefit residents.
Specialized Memory Care Design
For residents with cognitive impairments, specialized design considerations are essential. Clear and intuitive layouts, smaller household-like clusters to reduce disorientation, the use of calming and familiar materials, and secure outdoor spaces are crucial for improving safety, promoting familiarity, and preserving dignity.
Cretmoor includes a dedicated memory care wing—known as the Parcside Neighborhood—which was designed in partnership with Bridgewood’s SOAR program to promote dignity and joy. Our team led construction on 29 rooms that were specifically tailored to the unique needs of memory care residents.
Building for the Future of Senior Living
As expectations for senior living continue to rise, developers and operators must strike a balance between lifestyle and care. To achieve this, it’s essential to work with a construction partner who understands everything from regulatory requirements to high-touch hospitality experiences.
At Crain, our unique approach allows us to anticipate challenges, manage complex changes, and deliver long-term value. If you’re exploring a senior living project in Nashville or the surrounding region, we’d love to talk. Our team brings deep experience, local knowledge, and a solutions-oriented mindset to every build.
Ready to build a next-generation senior living community in Nashville or the surrounding area? Contact our team to learn how our expertise can help you create senior living spaces that elevate comfort, care, and community.
