Edgartown, MA Dellbrook|JKS celebrated the groundbreaking of Navigator Homes of Martha’s Vineyard, a new skilled nursing facility, on August 5^th. The project team welcomed public officials, including U.S. senator Ed Markey, Wampanoag Tribe of Aquinnah chief Ryan Malonson, USDA Massachusetts state director Scott Soares, project leaders, and the architect LWDA Design, to the site – a 28-acre property located at 490 Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Rd.

At the future site of Navigator Homes of Martha’s Vineyard, the foundations are complete, and steel erection is already underway, forming the frames of five new houses, which will be clustered around a shared garden space. Following the Green House model of elder care, designed to provide an alternative to traditional nursing homes where multiple residents share a room, each of the five buildings will be self-contained with its own kitchen, dining area, living area, common areas, and outdoor spaces, as well as 24/7 nursing care. The campus will provide housing for 70 seniors in total, with each house spanning 11,500 s/f and containing 14 rooms, all equipped with a full bath.

Navigator Homes of Martha’s Vineyard will welcome residents from Windemere Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, the facility this project is intended to replace. Windemere will close shortly after the transition. Affordable living for Martha’s Vineyard’s aging population is in high demand, as adults 65 and older represent one-third of the Island’s total year-round population. “Supporting our aging population means building an infrastructure of care and support for every senior in America, regardless of their zip code, including Martha’s Vineyard,” said senator Markey at the groundbreaking ceremony.

“The community has truly embraced this project, and we are proud to bring it to life,” said Dan Landry, project manager at Dellbrook|JKS. “Given the obvious added logistical challenges of such a large undertaking on Martha’s Vineyard, the team has really had to come together to work as a unit to be successful, even more so than any other projects I’ve been a part of. I’d like to clarify that when I say the word “team” I really mean everyone. Our internal construction management team, the ownership team, the architects, the USDA, as well as all the engineers and consultants have gone above and beyond to build a great project. I look forward to continuing with this group to successfully reach the grand opening next year.”

Dellbrook|JKS expects the project to be completed by late fall of 2025, marking a significant milestone in the Island’s efforts to address the critical need for affordable elder care.