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Greenwich City Council Approves Demolition of 70-Year-Old Nursing Home for 170-Unit Assisted-Living Complex

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  Published in House and Home on Thursday, December 4th 2025 at 15:36 GMT by Patch

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Greenwich to Demolish Nursing Home, Replace With 170‑Unit Assisted‑Living Complex: What the City, Residents, and Developers Are Saying

On Wednesday, the Greenwich City Council voted in favor of a long‑delayed proposal to tear down the aging “Greenwich Nursing Home” at 123 Oak Street and replace it with a sprawling 170‑unit assisted‑living development. The plan, which has been under discussion for more than a decade, promises a fresh wave of senior housing that could reshape the town’s approach to aging‑in‑place and affordable care. Below is a deep dive into the background, the design, the community’s reaction, and the policy framework that will govern the project.

The Site: From Mid‑Century Nursing Home to Modern Care Hub

The existing nursing home, originally built in 1956, was a 40‑bed facility that served as a cornerstone for Greenwich’s elderly population for more than 60 years. While the building offered some on‑site medical services, it lacked modern amenities and could not accommodate the growing demand for assisted living options that fall short of full nursing care. In the past year, the facility’s occupancy rate slipped below 30 percent, and the county health department issued a notice that the building did not meet current fire, accessibility, and infection‑control standards.

“We’ve watched this building become a relic,” said Dr. Susan Alvarez, a local gerontologist. “The space is no longer suitable for the level of care our senior citizens need.”

The town’s zoning map designated the Oak Street lot as low‑density residential, but a special variance was approved in 2021, allowing the developer to propose a higher‑density senior housing project. The variance also requires the inclusion of a “community benefit” component, which the developer has pledged in the form of open green space and an onsite senior outreach center.

The Developer and the Design: A 170‑Unit Complex That Looks Toward the Future

The project is being spearheaded by Greenwich Horizon, a regional developer that has built a reputation for senior housing and mixed‑use projects. In a public presentation last month, the firm unveiled renderings of a three‑story building with 170 units ranging from studio to three‑bedroom layouts. Each unit will feature accessible kitchens, walk‑in showers, and a 24‑hour nurse‑call system. The developer has also committed to a 20‑percent “affordable” housing rate for seniors with fixed incomes, as mandated by the state’s Affordable Housing for Seniors Act.

The development will also house a health‑and‑wellness center, a community room, and a landscaped courtyard. The design incorporates a “soft‑start” phased construction schedule: phase one will complete 60 units within the first 18 months, with the remainder added in subsequent years.

“We’re not just building apartments,” says Greenwich Horizon CEO Mark Patel. “We’re creating a vibrant community where seniors can live independently while still having immediate access to medical support, social activities, and community services.”

The Town’s Approval: A Long‑Standing Vote That Took Five Years

The City Council’s approval came after months of public hearings, a detailed impact study, and a city‑wide “Greenwich Senior Housing Survey.” The council’s vote was 5‑2, with the two dissenting members citing concerns over traffic, parking, and the impact on neighborhood character. The council also set a “community advisory board” to monitor the project’s adherence to the public‑benefit commitments.

In a statement, Mayor Laura Kim said, “This is a pivotal moment for Greenwich. Our senior residents deserve the best in modern, accessible, and affordable housing. The project meets the state’s guidelines and brings tangible benefits to our community.”

The council’s approval also hinged on a new ordinance that will require the developer to install a dedicated on‑site parking structure with 200 spaces and a pedestrian‑first redesign of the Oak Street frontage to reduce through‑traffic. Additionally, the ordinance will stipulate that the green space on the site must be accessible to all town residents, not just residents of the complex.

Community Reaction: A Mixed Bag of Support and Concerns

The reaction from Greenwich residents has been polarizing. Some community members, especially those who have lived on Oak Street for decades, appreciate the modernized facilities and the increased housing stock. Others worry that the development will change the town’s quiet, tree‑lined streets.

“I love the idea of a new senior community that’s safer and more modern,” said longtime resident Carla Nguyen. “But I also want to make sure it doesn’t become a traffic nightmare for us.”

On the other side, a group called “Oak Street Residents for Responsible Development” filed a petition that asked the council to delay the project until a comprehensive traffic impact study was completed. The group cited the potential for increased traffic on Oak Street and the need for a more robust parking strategy.

In response to the concerns, Greenwich Horizon pledged to fund a traffic flow study and to install “smart” traffic signal technology that will adjust to real‑time demand. The firm also agreed to conduct a “community impact workshop” before construction begins.

The Regulatory Framework: State and Local Oversight

The development is subject to several layers of oversight, beginning with the Connecticut Department of Aging (CDA), which must approve the assisted‑living plan under the state’s Assisted Living Licensing Act. The CDA will review the facility’s design, staffing plan, and safety protocols. In addition, the Connecticut Office of Housing will provide a review of the affordable housing component to ensure compliance with the state’s Affordable Housing Tax Credit (AHTC) program.

Locally, the Greenwich Planning Department will oversee the zoning variance, environmental impact study, and community benefit enforcement. The city’s new ordinance also requires the developer to provide an annual report on resident satisfaction, safety incidents, and community engagement.

Financial Aspects: A $120‑Million Investment with a Public‑Private Partnership

The projected cost of the project is $120 million, financed through a combination of private equity, state tax credits, and a modest bond issued by the Greenwich Finance Authority. The developer will pay a “development surcharge” of $3 per square foot, which will fund the green space and the community outreach center. The city will receive a 3‑percent return on the bond, which will help fund other senior services, such as a transportation subsidy for low‑income seniors.

State tax credits are expected to cover roughly 30 percent of the construction cost, while the developer plans to secure an additional $15 million in federal Low‑Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) to subsidize the affordable units.

Next Steps: From Construction to Inauguration

The council’s decision has set the stage for the next phase: a detailed construction plan and the procurement of the required permits. Greenwich Horizon will begin site work in the fall, with the first phase of construction expected to start in December. The city will hold a public open house next month to provide an updated schedule and to answer any lingering questions from residents.

If all goes according to plan, the first residents will begin moving into the 170‑unit complex by the end of 2026, ushering in a new era of senior care in Greenwich that balances modern convenience with community engagement and affordability.

Key Takeaways

• Project Scope: 170 assisted‑living units, 20‑percent affordable for seniors, plus a community center and green space.
• Financials: $120 million total, with state and federal tax credits covering 30‑40 percent.
• Regulatory Oversight: Connecticut Department of Aging, Office of Housing, and local planning ordinance.
• Community Reaction: Mixed; supporters praise modern amenities and affordability; opponents worry about traffic and neighborhood character.
• Timeline: Site work to start Dec 2023; first residents expected by late 2026.

The transformation of Oak Street from a legacy nursing home into a cutting‑edge senior community reflects both the challenges and the opportunities of providing high‑quality, affordable care in a rapidly aging population. As Greenwich moves forward, the city will need to balance the benefits of new housing with the needs and concerns of its long‑time residents, all while navigating a complex web of regulatory and financial frameworks.