The Town of Waukesha's First Senior Housing Development
Berkshire at Sunset is a 78-unit affordable senior housing community located within a mixed-use development in the Town of Waukesha, Wisconsin. Completed in 2005, the project transformed a large vacant parcel and ten single-family properties into a residential and commercial campus featuring independent senior housing, a large-format grocery store, and neighborhood-serving retail. At the time, the Town's zoning ordinances prohibited higher-density residential development. Over six months, General Capital collaborated with municipal stakeholders to revise the zoning code, establishing the framework for the Town of Waukesha's first senior housing development.
The three-story community offers spacious apartment layouts, on-site amenities, and landscaped grounds surrounding a pond, providing an attractive and affordable independent living environment for adults age 55 and older. Following groundbreaking in 2004, the development welcomed its first residents in early 2005, with nearly half of the apartments reserved before construction was completed. The integration of senior housing with nearby shopping and everyday services established Berkshire at Sunset as a desirable residential community while demonstrating the value of collaborative planning and mixed-use development.
Key Themes
- Innovative zoning reform enabling the Town of Waukesha's first senior housing development.
- Mixed-use redevelopment integrating senior housing, grocery retail, and neighborhood services.
- Public-private collaboration establishing new opportunities for higher-density residential development.
- Affordable senior living providing independent housing for adults age 55+.
- Resident-focused design featuring spacious apartments, landscaped grounds, and on-site amenities.
Results
- 78 affordable senior apartments delivered in the Town of Waukesha.
- Completed in 2005 following groundbreaking in 2004.
- Six-month zoning reform enabled the Town's first senior housing development.
- Nearly 50% pre-leased before construction was completed.
- Mixed-use campus established with senior housing, grocery retail, and neighborhood services.