October 21 - October 23, 2026

Chicago, IL

Sessions

Friday, October 23, 2026

NIC Insights Session: From Standstill to Strategy: Reigniting Senior Housing Development



Date and Time:Friday, October 23, 2026 | 8:30 am - 9:30 am

Location:Main Stage

Moderator

Aaron Becker

Senior Managing Director, Head of Seniors Housing & Healthcare Production

Lument

Panelist

Samantha Eckhout

Managing Director of Investments

REDICO

Panelist

Steve Marker

Senior Vice President of Development

Brightview Senior Living

Panelist

Molly Odgers

Vice President, Senior Housing Group

BOK Financial

Panelist

Julie Robinson

Managing Director and Head of Healthcare

Clarion Partners

Senior housing inventory growth has fallen to historic lows, but early signs of movement are emerging. Those who understand what continues to constrain development, what conditions are beginning to shift, and where new starts are most likely to reappear will be best positioned to succeed.

With a prolonged slowdown in construction starts, a development cycle approaching 29 months, replacement costs near a tipping point, equity returns under pressure, and wages, materials, and interest rates still elevated, project feasibility remains a challenge—especially beyond higher-end communities. Yet a subset of developers is advancing projects by rethinking capital stacks, partnerships, and approaches to design and construction. In this session, attendees will gain a clear-eyed perspective on how development may re-accelerate, how project economics are evolving, and practical lessons from groups finding ways to move forward—while keeping an eye on more attainable senior housing options.

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