MANSFIELD — An official groundbreaking is scheduled Monday for a $38 million assisted living development at 300 Cline Ave. in Mansfield.
Work is already underway at the site for Ohio’s first Silver Birch living community. It will be the site for the groundbreaking at 2 p.m.
Officials with Vermilion Development call the project “a major milestone for senior housing in northern Ohio.”
Leaders from the Chicago-based company and the Ohio Housing Finance Agency will attend the ceremony.
It’s Vermilion’s first project in partnership with the Ohio Housing Finance Agency.
“We’re pleased to break ground on the first affordable assisted living community in northern Ohio. This culminates eight years of advocacy work with the Ohio General Assembly,” David Cocagne, CEO of Vermilion Development, said in a press release.
He credited Ohio Sen. Mark Romanchuk (R-Ontario) for his assistance.
“It’s fitting that it’s located in Mark Romanchuk’s district. He has been a tireless advocate for these types of home-like options for seniors,” Cocagne said.
“We thank Mark and the many state agencies – OHFA, ODM, ODA and others, for their partnership on this project.”
The project became public knowledge in November 2023 when the city Planning Commission met with Darrin Jolas, managing director of Vermilion Development, and gave the proposal a green-light — despite the fact it would not have enough parking spaces to meet city zoning requirements.
Jolas told members most residents in these apartments do not have vehicles. At that time, the price tag was estimated at $25 million.
The Silver Birch of Mansfield will be a three-story multifamily community of 120 apartments offering optional, affordable assisted living services, the company said.
The new community will be a wood-framed, 3-story elevator building with studio and 1-bedroom apartments.
It will feature designated resident laundry rooms, barber/beauty shop, library, physical therapy/fitness center, recreational and social areas, as well outdoor spaces, including walking paths, gazebo, and patio.
The Silver Birch will advance a major policy initiative of the Ohio General Assembly (House Bill 33, approved in the 2023 session) by expanding the supply of affordable assisted living, the company said.
For Ohio’s Medicaid program, assisted living is half the cost of more expensive nursing home care, the company said.
The services provider is Silver Birch Living, an affiliate of the owner and developer, currently serving 1,300 assisted living residents in 12 communities in the midwest.
“Our mission at the Ohio Housing Finance Agency is to develop housing opportunities for all Ohioans,” said Barbra Richards, director of multifamily housing at the agency.
“Silver Birch of Mansfield will do that for older Ohioans here in Mansfield and Richland County. This new development will provide its residents a safe, affordable place to call home, in a community they love, close to family and friends.”
The optional assisted living services will include medication assistance, support with activities of daily living, as well as healthcare coordination.
Silver Birch of Mansfield will have approximately 40 to 45 employees, including licensed nurses, certified nursing aides, culinary, maintenance and housekeeping staff.
The community will have staff on site 24-hours per day and each apartment will be equipped with an emergency call system.
Resident amenities will also include restaurant style meals, robust activity program calendar, and transportation to local retail and community events.
“Silver Birch is honored and excited to have the opportunity to serve the deserving residents of Mansfield and the surrounding communities and look forward to providing them with high quality housing and exceptional quality care and services,” said JoEllen Bleavins, president of Silver Birch Living.
About Vermilion Development
Vermilion Development is a Chicago-based real estate development and investment firm specializing in community-oriented mixed-use projects, public-private partnerships, and assisted living.
Founded in 1992, Vermilion has completed or is currently completing developments totaling more than $750 million of gross investment value.
About Silver Birch Living
Silver Birch Living is a growing family of premier affordable assisted living communities that promote wellness, convenience, and community.
About OHFA
The Ohio Housing Finance Agency facilitates the development, rehabilitation and financing of low- to moderate-income housing.
The agency’s programs help first-time homebuyers, renters, senior citizens, and others find quality affordable housing that meets their needs.
OHFA funds competitive fixed-rate mortgage loans and provides financing for the development and rehabilitation of affordable rental housing through the Housing Tax Credit program, issuing tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds, and other affordable housing programs.
About ARCO/Murray Construction
ARCO/Murray is a single-source national design and construction firm that specializes in commercial construction and real estate needs for Fortune 500 companies and individual businesses.
“We believe through the design-build process, our team of engineers, project managers, superintendents, architects, and designers are capable of executing the most demanding projects throughout the United States and Canada.
As a Top 4 U.S. Design-Builder (ENR), we pride ourselves in offering the best solutions and adding value to every project through ‘Better People, Better Planning and Better Execution,'” the company said.
