Chicago-based Evergreen Real Estate Group today announced it has broken ground on three affordable assisted living communities in Ohio, located near Dayton and Columbus. Completion for all three developments is expected in fall/winter 2027.
Construction is now underway on Green Oaks of Fairborn, located at 2124 Exchange Court in Fairborn, approximately 15 miles east of downtown Dayton. Work also has begun on Green Oaks of Grove City, at 3000 Holt Road in Grove City, which is about 10 miles south of Columbus, and Green Oaks of Walnut Creek, located at 4000 Westerville Road in Columbus.
All three developments will utilize the same successful model Evergreen has previously implemented in communities across Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. Each comprises a three- or four-story, 120-unit building with 67 studio and 53 one-bedroom apartments for seniors across a range of income levels, including those who qualify for Medicaid benefits.
Gardant Management Solutions, the fifth-largest provider of assisted living in the country, will operate the communities, each of which will be licensed as a residential care facility by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and approved as a Medicaid-assisted living service provider through the Ohio Department of Aging (ODA).
These three developments, along with two other Ohio communities Evergreen broke ground on in fall 2025 — Green Oaks of Canal Winchester near Columbus and Green Oaks of Holland near Toledo — are among the first purpose-built affordable assisted living developments to be constructed in the state. In partnership with Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA), Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM), ODA, ODH, and other public and private stakeholders, they will meaningfully expand housing options for area seniors, allowing them to age in a more residential, community-based setting at approximately half the Medicaid cost of nursing home care.
“These groundbreakings mark a proud moment for Evergreen and for our growing presence in Ohio,” said Jared Isenthal, vice president of development for Evergreen Real Estate Group. “With five Green Oaks communities now under construction across the state, our work here reflects a long-term commitment to Ohio and to expanding high-quality, affordable senior housing options. We’re grateful to the state and local partners who have embraced this work alongside us.”
“The partnership with Evergreen Real Estate Group and Gardant represents what’s possible when two organizations align around a common mission,” said Julie Simpkins, co-CEO of Gardant. “We’re not just meeting the needs of today’s seniors — we’re building for tomorrow’s. In Fairborn, Grove City and Walnut Creek, that means communities where residents receive exceptional care, retain their independence and genuinely feel at home. It also means expanding the reach of affordable assisted living so that more seniors — regardless of income — have access to the kind of quality, dignified care every person deserves.”
“Providing high-quality, accessible and affordable housing options for our seniors is a priority for Grove City,” said Grove City Mayor Richard L. “Ike” Stage. “This new development ensures that our senior residents can continue to live, thrive and age with dignity right here in the community they love.”
City of Fairborn Mayor Dan Kirkpatrick added: “Fairborn is committed to building a community that offers opportunity, quality of life and support for residents of every generation. Green Oaks of Fairborn is an investment that strengthens our city today while helping meet the needs of tomorrow. We’re excited to see this project move forward and the positive impact it will have on our community.”
“The City of Fairborn looks forward to the Green Oaks of Fairborn assisted living project that will allow space for our residents to age in place,” said Cherise Schell, economic development director. “Aging in place is not just about staying in a home; it’s about preserving dignity, independence and the deep sense of connection that comes from living in a familiar community.”
Steve Rappin, CEO of Evergreen Real Estate Group, added: “As our firm celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, I’m delighted with the progress the Evergreen Senior Living team has achieved in breaking ground on these three new affordable assisted living developments. In addition to providing much-needed homes for a growing segment of the population, they advance our firm’s mission of transforming communities and improving lives. Expanding senior living options in these areas of Ohio will have a positive and lasting impact both today and well into the future.”
Apartments at the three Green Oaks communities will offer a kitchenette with a sink, refrigerator and microwave, with the flexibility to be upgraded to a full kitchen if needed. Residences will also include a full private bath with a shower and grab bars, living and/or bedroom space, individual heating and air conditioning, and an emergency alert system.
On-site amenities will include spaces and activities to facilitate resident engagement and well-being. A large commercial kitchen and dining room will serve three meals and snacks throughout the day. Other amenities include a fitness room, beauty salon, game room, activity rooms, resident computer stations, a library and multiple community rooms and lounges. Certified staff will be on-site 24 hours a day to assist residents with daily living activities, and the property will provide transportation to local businesses and service providers throughout the surrounding community.
The exteriors of the communities will feature a covered main entry drop-off, sitting areas, walking paths, a private rear patio, gazebo recreation area and all-new landscaping, along with 70 on-site parking spaces for use by residents, visitors and staff.
OHFA awarded 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits to all three developments and issued the tax-exempt bonds that qualify them for the credits under federal financing requirements. D.A. Davidson served as underwriter and placement agent for the bond financing.
The three new Green Oaks developments were designed by Chicago-based WJW Architects, and the general contractor for the projects is The Douglas Company, based in Holland.
Each development will create more than 100 construction jobs and 35 full-time and 15 part-time positions once operational, including opportunities for healthcare workers, administrators and maintenance and food service staff.
