New Luxury Villas Elevate Senior Living at Virginia Lifecare Community
Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury (SVWC) and Warfel Construction teamed up to bring a $110 million, resident-focused independent living neighborhood to life in northern Shenandoah Valley, Virginia. The Villas expansion offers modern, luxury options for seniors seeking vibrant, comfortable, and connected living.
A Legacy of Enriched Senior Living
For nearly 40 years, SVWC has focused on providing seniors with a lifestyle full of dignity, comfort, and community. As a faith-based, not-for-profit lifecare retirement community, SVWC offers independent living with access to advanced healthcare services. Today, over 500 residents call its 87-acre wooded campus home.
Recognizing a growing demand for more retirement housing options, SVWC envisioned the Villas: a neighborhood of stylish, independent living units with tree-lined streets and convenient access to amenities. They partnered with Warfel Construction and SFCS to make that vision a reality.
Connecting People to Community Through Thoughtful Design
SVWC aimed for a small-scale, private feel, with no more than ten luxury apartments per building. The Villas feature 12 different floor plans, ranging from one- to two-bedroom units between 1,200 and over 2,000 square feet.
As construction manager, Warfel guided the project from concept to completion. With a strong background in senior living projects, Warfel understands what matters most to lifecare communities and their residents. Both SVWC and Warfel share similar missions — “Connected for Life” and “Clients for Life” — creating a foundation of trust and collaboration.
Originally planned as a single 20-month phase, the project was divided into two 18-month phases due to COVID-19. Construction began in April 2022, with the second phase approved in July 2023.
Building Trust in Local Markets
Warfel opened a Virginia office in Old Town Winchester in 2022, bringing the company closer to trade partners and the community. For a first major Virginia project, Warfel prioritized local connections, ensuring fair treatment, prompt payment, and open communication with all trades.
Close collaboration, weekly look-ahead planning, and BIM coordination minimized field revisions and maximized efficiency. Warfel also proactively addressed supply chain challenges, sourcing critical components to keep the project on time and on budget.
“The Villas was the best example of teamwork I have experienced on any project,” said Sheila Snyder, Senior Project Director at Warfel Construction.
Minimizing Disruption for Residents and Neighbors
Building near an active campus required careful planning. Activities like rock blasting were communicated in advance, permits and surveys were completed, and neighbor concerns were promptly addressed.
Delivering Vibrant Living and Long-Term Value
Completed on schedule and on budget in late 2024, the Villas provide a new premium option for independent living in the Shenandoah Valley. Each unit includes open floor plans, natural light, large patios, energy efficiency, personal garages, and scenic views. Entry fees range from $327,000 to $880,000.
To prioritize comfort and privacy, the Villas feature high sound attenuation, with over-engineered floor-to-floor construction. Residents even coined the acronym VILLA: Very Impressive Leisurely Living Apartments.
“Warfel brought to fruition the strategic concepts for the project, allowing the campus to expand while maintaining its natural environment,” said Sheila Snyder.
A Lasting Commitment
Warfel’s support continues beyond construction, with the team actively participating in the Winchester community through sponsorships and partnerships.
“The Villas at SVWC reflects our dedication to delivering high-quality construction while fostering lasting relationships with our clients and communities,” said Steve Davis, Vice President, Virginia at Warfel Construction.
With shared values and a commitment to excellence, SVWC and Warfel have created a luxury senior living neighborhood that will serve generations of retirees for years to come.
