Greenbrier Development

The most expensive decisions in development are often the ones made too early. Advancing into design before fully testing key assumptions; pricing, programming, financial feasibility, can create momentum around a concept that hasn’t been fully validated.

By the time challenges surface, significant time and capital have already been invested and structured business planning and a sound development process is essential.

By testing assumptions early and building in checkpoints before design advances, teams can make informed decisions at each stage, with the flexibility to refine direction as needed.

The result is not just fewer false starts. It’s better alignment, more efficient ex*****on, and stronger long-term outcomes.

The goal isn’t simply to move projects forward. It’s to move forward with the right plan in place.

Where have you seen early assumptions create downstream challenges in a project?

The goal of early-stage analysis isn’t just to validate a concept. It’s to shape it. When market demand and financial realities are understood together, the conversation shifts from “Does this work?” to “What version of this works best?” In practice, that often means:

- Reworking the unit mix to align with achievable pricing
- Adjusting scope to improve feasibility
- Phasing development to match absorption and capital strategy
- Or repositioning the concept to better fit the market entirely

Strategic programming becomes critical at this stage.

Small adjustments at this stage can significantly change the trajectory of a project, often uncovering a more viable path forward than the original concept. The outcome isn’t a simple go or no-go decision. It’s a more informed, more resilient development strategy.

What adjustments have had the biggest impact on improving a project’s viability?

A strong market doesn’t always mean a viable project.
It’s one of the most common disconnects in senior living development.

Demographics can look compelling. Demand can appear to be there, but if the required price points don’t align with what the market can realistically support, the opportunity breaks down.

This is where many early evaluations fall short. Market analysis in isolation can point to opportunity, but without understanding the economics required to deliver that opportunity, it can also be misleading.

That’s why we approach early-stage work as a combined effort evaluating market demand alongside preliminary programming and financial modeling to understand what a project needs to achieve, and whether the market can support it.

Because viability isn’t defined by demand alone. It’s defined by the intersection of demand and economics.

Where have you seen a disconnect between market demand and financial viability?

KBE Building Corporation has officially topped out portions of the structure, marking a major milestone for the 206-unit nonprofit, faith-based Life Plan Community for Mozaic Senior Life. Mechanical trades are now advancing work throughout the building as the community takes shape.

Exciting progress ahead.

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Senior living has evolved alongside changing needs and expectations, emphasizing a more integrated approach that aligns funding, development, and long-term operations. Subscribe to Developments as we reflect on insights gained from two decades in senior living development.

Every engagement brings lessons. Over time, those lessons shape better decisions, stronger partnerships, and communities built to last.

As we approach our 20th year at Greenbrier, we’ll be revisiting those insights in Developments.

Subscribe to Developments https://tinyurl.com/3nwxuu7e and stay connected to the lessons shaping the future of senior living.

Turning the page to a new year filled with growth, collaboration, and meaningful milestones. Happy New Year from Greenbrier!

Happy Holidays from all of us at Greenbrier!

As the year comes to a close, we’re grateful for our clients, partners, and colleagues who made this year so meaningful. We hope your holiday season is filled with joy, rest, and time spent with those who matter most.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season—we’ll see you in the new year!

We’re excited to welcome Rodman Ricketts to Greenbrier as our newest Vice President, Development.

Rodman supports our clients in planning and development throughout the lifecycle of a project, bringing experience in design, entitlement, and owner representation. His background allows him to provide practical guidance and support at every stage.

Rodman is a licensed architect and holds degrees from Texas A&M University and The University of Texas at Austin. We’re glad to have him on the Greenbrier team and look forward to working with him.

As we close out 2025, we’re grateful for the clients, partners, and peers who continue to shape and strengthen the senior living industry.

Thank you for being part of our community and for sharing our commitment to growth, innovation, and purpose.

Here’s to what’s building what’s next - together.

Read our 2025 Year in Review https://tinyurl.com/4mya78s6 and subscribe to Developments to stay connected in 2026 https://tinyurl.com/36bexza3.

What a great way to close out the year!

We had so much fun celebrating together at our Greenbrier Christmas Party, and it meant a lot to have everyone in the same room enjoying time together. The evening was filled with laughter, connection, and a chance to step away from the day-to-day and simply enjoy each other’s company.

We were happy to recognize Caroline Roth on her 5-year anniversary and Brian Devlin on his 10-year anniversary with Greenbrier. We truly appreciate their dedication and the many ways they contribute to our team.

We were also excited to share two well-earned promotions:

Amy Linder, First Vice President, Marketing

Evan Richter, CPA, Vice President, Accounting

Congratulations to Evan and Amy, and thank you to our entire team for all that you do for Greenbrier.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to come together, celebrate the year behind us, and enjoy such a memorable evening with an incredible group of people.