RoseVilla is expanding its senior living campus in Portland, Oregon, through three major projects that emphasize sustainability and address growing demand from older adults. The nonprofit, recognized for its zero-energy neighborhoods, is now targeting stricter environmental goals with a $40 million wellness center and a 2.5-acre eco-neighborhood. If completed, this community could become the first senior living campus to earn full Living Building Challenge certification.
Mahonia EcoHomes: A Living Building First
The centerpiece of the expansion is Mahonia EcoHomes, a 12-home neighborhood built to the Living Building Challenge, one of the world’s most demanding green building standards. The project includes a 7,600-square-foot wellness center, a rainwater collection system, and solar panels capable of producing 105% of the neighborhood’s energy requirements. If certified, it would mark the first senior living community to meet these criteria, according to CEO Glen Lewis.
The development follows the demolition of an older facilities building, with plans to restore a native oak savanna featuring walking trails and wellness amenities. Lewis stated that pre-sales for Mahonia have surpassed projections, indicating strong resident interest in sustainable living options.
RainWood Lofts Introduces Mass Timber Living
Alongside Mahonia, RoseVilla is constructing RainWood Lofts, a 226,428-square-foot mass timber structure that will add 54 independent living and 31 assisted living units—the first assisted living option on campus. The project also includes a creative arts hub with a wood shop, ceramic studio, and performing arts auditorium, all integrated into a 200,000-square-foot horseshoe-shaped building.
Resident involvement has been a cornerstone of the planning process. RoseVilla formed nine resident-led work groups, engaging roughly 60 older adults to shape the designs. This reflects the organization’s long-standing practice of incorporating resident feedback, with Lewis noting that sustainability remains the guiding principle behind these projects.
Both Mahonia and RainWood are scheduled to open in early 2029, with Portland-based Green Hammer Design + Build overseeing construction. The firm previously completed two zero-energy neighborhoods for RoseVilla, including a fire-damaged carport replacement that incorporated solar power, rainwater purification, and electric vehicle charging.
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The organization is also responding to rising acuity among incoming residents by expanding assisted living options, aiming to support community rather than isolation for those with higher healthcare needs.
Living Building Challenge Standards Explained
The Living Building Challenge requires projects to meet 20 performance criteria across seven categories, including energy self-sufficiency, net-positive water use, and equitable access. Mahonia EcoHomes will demonstrate compliance through on-site solar generation, a closed-loop rainwater system, and locally sourced non-toxic materials. The Sanctuary at Mahonia wellness center, a 7,600-square-foot facility, will integrate these systems alongside the 12 homes, all designed to exceed conventional energy efficiency standards. Certification requires 12 consecutive months of verified performance after occupancy.
The RainWood Lofts will introduce the first assisted living units on campus, addressing the increasing acuity of residents while maintaining community integration. This approach contrasts with traditional models that segregate higher-need residents, aligning with RoseVilla’s goal of reducing social isolation as healthcare demands rise.
Adjacent to the assisted living wing, the creative arts hub will occupy the first floor of the horseshoe-shaped building. It will feature a wood shop, ceramic studio, glass fusing studio, and a performing arts auditorium, along with a general arts studio and gallery. These facilities will expand on RoseVilla’s wellness programs, embedding creative expression into daily residential life, a departure from conventional senior living amenities.
The ROSE Hub will serve as the operational core of the campus, housing maintenance teams, renewable energy systems, and emergency preparedness infrastructure. Its seismic design ensures resilience against a category 4 earthquake, reinforcing RoseVilla’s focus on both environmental and structural durability. The facility will also test scalable solutions like rainwater purification and energy storage, potentially informing future senior living projects nationwide.
Certification and Industry Benchmarks for Sustainable Senior Living
The Living Building Challenge sets rigorous standards that go beyond conventional green building certifications. Projects must fulfill 20 requirements across seven performance categories, including energy generation, water management, and material health, while also proving operational success for at least 12 months after residents move in.
