BALTIMORE, Md. – Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU), in partnership with Brightview Senior Living, has announced the beginning of site demolition and groundbreaking for a new senior living community to be developed on the University’s campus, marking the first senior community to break ground on a college campus in Maryland.
This milestone is Phase One of a transformative project that uniquely integrates higher education and senior living, creating a shared environment designed to foster connection, intergenerational learning, and community. The development also represents Brightview’s debut community in Baltimore City, bringing new job opportunities to the city.
"This moment represents far more than the start of construction. It reflects Notre Dame of Maryland University’s mission to promote lifelong learning and build strong communities rooted in purpose, service, and engagement," said Marylou Yam, Ph.D., president of Notre Dame of Maryland University. "Notre Dame is proud to partner with Brightview to establish the first senior living community on a university campus in Maryland and to create an environment where intergenerational learning and relationships can flourish. Notre Dame students in health professions and other majors will have unique opportunities to engage with residents through a variety of collaborative programming and shared experiences.”
“We are pleased to see this historic Brightview Senior Living project move forward as the first of its kind on a college campus in Maryland. This development represents a true win-win – creating local jobs, strengthening the neighborhood, and allowing longtime residents to remain close to the people, institutions, and places they love. It’s an innovative model that reflects our commitment to thoughtful growth and community connection,” added Brandon Scott, 52nd Mayor of Baltimore.
The development will span approximately 3.7 acres, replacing the former Knights of Columbus property. Upon completion, the community will feature a thoughtfully planned mix of 170 Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care residences. The project is designed to integrate seamlessly with both the surrounding Homeland neighborhood and the broader University campus.
"We recently announced our home office move to Pratt Street in downtown Baltimore, and opening our first community in Baltimore City – in partnership with Notre Dame of Maryland University – is another significant step in our commitment to the city we call home,” said Doug Dollenberg Jr., President and CEO, Brightview Senior Living. “Intergenerational living provides our residents with cognitive health benefits, intellectual stimulation, and meaningful connections. Our residents will have access to courses, cultural events, and the energy of campus life. We're building more than a senior living community; we're creating a place where learning and engagement continue at every stage of life."
Brightview Homeland will offer residents proximity to the rich cultural and intellectual life of Notre Dame of Maryland University, while opening doors for students to participate in experiential learning, mentorship, and service opportunities across academic disciplines. Programming and shared spaces are designed to encourage interaction, educational and social enrichment, and meaningful connections to campus life. NDMU is the ideal partner for Brightview, as the University has promoted intergenerational learning for over 35 years through the Renaissance Institute (RI), designed for adults 50+, located on campus. Residents will have opportunities to participate in RI programming, attend University sports and arts events, and build relationships with members of the University community.
Austin Koo, Development Director for Brightview Senior Living, says the project reflects a shared vision. "We are honored to collaborate with Notre Dame of Maryland University on a development that enhances the engaging lifestyle for which Brightview is already known. Brightview Homeland will provide older adults with high-quality care and amenities while offering meaningful connections to a vibrant academic community. As we look ahead, we're excited to create more spaces where intergenerational living is not only encouraged, but celebrated."
University leadership, Brightview, and Baltimore City partners have collaborated through the planning and approval process to prepare the site for development. The current demolition phase will be followed by full construction later this year. Plans include landscaped outdoor areas, pedestrian-friendly connections, and spaces designed to promote wellness, social interaction, and accessibility.
Established in 1895, Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) is a private, Catholic institution in Baltimore, Maryland, with the mission to educate leaders to transform the world. Notre Dame has been named one of the best "Regional Universities North" by U.S. News & World Report.
