Developing thoughtfully designed senior living communities where aging adults can live with independence, dignity, and purpose.
The Need
America's 65+ population is growing faster than at any point in history — and the housing infrastructure to serve aging adults is falling critically short. The numbers below reflect both the scale of the opportunity and the urgency to build.
All Baby Boomers reach retirement age by 2030, creating the largest senior population in U.S. history. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
The U.S. will need over 880,000 additional senior housing units to meet projected demand by 2030. Supply pipelines are falling short. Source: National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC).
Over 60% of projected housing need remains unmet. The supply gap represents one of the most compelling development opportunities in American real estate.
Alzheimer's diagnoses are projected to more than double by 2050, driving long-term demand for memory care. Source: Alzheimer's Association.
Source: Alzheimer's Association, 2023 Facts & Figures
Our Approach
Nelson brings the same disciplined approach to senior living that defines our work across every asset class: understand the market deeply, identify the right site, and build communities that deliver for residents, operators, and investors over the long term.
We develop independent living, assisted living, and memory care communities across the Midwest, targeting markets defined by strong 65+ population growth, limited existing supply, and favorable construction economics. Each project begins with a detailed feasibility study and operator alignment — before we commit to a site.
Nelson develops and owns the real estate. Our operating partners manage day-to-day resident care, programming, and staffing. That structure lets each organization focus on what it does best — and creates better outcomes for everyone involved.
Division Director
Division Leadership
Director of Senior Living
Wade leads Nelson's senior living division, overseeing the development of independent living, assisted living, and memory care communities across the Midwest. He guides each project from initial concept through construction and stabilization — managing timelines, budgets, and investment performance for sponsors and investors at every stage.
Operating Partners
A growing senior living operator with communities across the Midwest, Arrow brings a hospitality-forward approach to independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Their programs are built around resident engagement, purposeful activity, and high-quality everyday care.
Agemark is a senior living management company specializing in assisted living and memory care. Known for their person-centered care philosophy, Agemark operates communities where the quality of daily experience is as important as clinical outcomes.
A mission-driven, nonprofit Catholic senior living organization sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago. Franciscan Ministries owns and operates communities offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation — guided by a person-centered philosophy of compassionate, faith-rooted care.
Senior living communities across the Midwest
Investment Opportunities
Nelson's senior living portfolio offers accredited investors direct exposure to a driven asset class in commercial real estate. With 73 million Baby Boomers reaching retirement age, demand for quality senior housing is projected to grow for decades to come. We develop and own the real estate — our operating partners manage the communities. Over 27 years and $1B+ in completed projects, Nelson has built lasting relationships with the partners and investors who work with us.
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