DOI: https://doi.org/10.15368/theses.2013.99
Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/1070
Date of Award
6-2013
Degree Name
Master of City and Regional Planning
Department/Program
City and Regional Planning
Advisor
Umut Toker
Abstract
With the largest U.S. generation in the midst of retirement, the Baby Boomer cohort is vastly changing the senior housing landscape. As the housing market gradually improves and the development of senior housing chases the increasing demand, Baby Boomers are a highly selective cohort with more buying and spending power than their predecessors, are healthier and more active, and are demanding an unconventional modification of alternative senior housing. The “traditional” senior community is outdated and no longer seen as a viable choice for retirement, and new and innovated models have surpassed the old-fashioned establishments.
Among the innovative senior community models, the Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) combines a variety of unique residential options and comprehensive services that meet the needs of new and active retirees and aging seniors. Focusing on the Baby Boomer cohort in conjunction with a modified CCRC model, this project examines the current demographic and housing landscape for Baby Boomers and seniors, as well as assesses trending planning techniques and design elements to formulate an ideal senior living prototype for the 234 acre Sinclair Ranch in Chinese Camp, California.
In culmination of research, academic literature review, survey analysis, and case study review, key trending planning and design elements have emerged to develop a state-of-the-art CCRC intended to meet market demands and desires of a growing and highly selective senior cohort. Thus, this project concludes with a design Draft Plan for the Sinclair Ranch that captures both the characteristics of an innovative CCRC and the emergent desires stemming from the shifting senior landscape. With key design recommendations and proposed community features, the draft plan is intended to outline and guide the vision of the proposed development for the Sinclair Ranch CCRC.