Today, The Springs Living broke ground on Issaquah Highlands, marking our first community in the Seattle region and an exciting new chapter in our journey.
We chose Issaquah intentionally. Washington's 65-plus population is expected to nearly double over the next two decades, and families are looking for options that reflect how people want to live today: active, connected, engaged, and rooted in the communities they love. We've spent decades learning what matters most to residents and families and pouring those lessons into communities designed around connection, culture, purpose, and exceptional experiences. Today, we're bringing that approach to Issaquah.
Few communities reflect that vision better. Surrounded by parks, trails, natural beauty, and a vibrant town center, Issaquah offers the connection, activity, and quality of life many older adults are seeking. Located adjacent to Swedish Issaquah Medical Center, with sweeping valley views and direct access to the outdoors, Issaquah Highlands is the kind of place where people can stay engaged, connected, and part of the community around them.
As Founder and CEO Fee Stubblefield shared at the groundbreaking, "It all started as a family business, me taking care of my family."
Thirty years later, the opportunity has changed, but the philosophy hasn't.
"This isn't my grandmother's generation," Fee said. "It's a vibrant generation that appreciates living life to its fullest and wants to stay active. We've taken everything we've learned and poured it into designing special places that feel like home, creating a natural sense of belonging."
That belief has shaped every aspect of the community we're creating in Issaquah Highlands.
From welcoming gathering spaces and chef-inspired dining to engaging programming, wellness opportunities, and rooftop terraces overlooking the Issaquah Valley, every detail has been designed to help people stay connected, continue growing, and enjoy the things that bring meaning to their lives.
A Culture of Promise
The buildings are only part of the story. What truly defines The Springs Living is the culture inside our communities.
Residents often describe it as something they feel the moment they walk through the door. It's difficult to script and impossible to manufacture. It comes from the relationships people build, the sense of belonging they experience, and the employees who create extraordinary moments every day.
The magic of The Springs Living doesn't happen because of our buildings, our leadership team, or our policies. It happens through people.
As President Brenda Connelly often says, "We are in the people business."
That belief influences how we hire, how we develop leaders, and how we invest in long-term careers. Exceptional resident experiences are created by exceptional people, and creating an environment where employees can thrive has always been fundamental to our success.
Culture is what residents experience. It's what families trust. It's what employees create every day. More than any building or amenity, it is what continues to define The Springs Living and what will shape our future in Issaquah.
A Shared Commitment to the Community
One of the most meaningful parts of the groundbreaking was the support shown by local and regional leaders.
Issaquah Mayor Mark Mullet joined representatives from the Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Alliance Snoqualmie Valley, the Alzheimer's Association, the Washington Health Care Association, healthcare partners, business leaders, and community stakeholders from across the region.
Their presence reflected more than support for a new development. It signaled confidence in a shared vision for expanding housing choices, creating local jobs, strengthening community connections, and supporting older adults and their families as the region continues to grow.
We're also grateful to PMB, Harrison Street, Huntington Bank, Exxel Pacific, Mackenzie, and GBD Architects for helping bring this vision to life.
Today marks the beginning of our next chapter in the Seattle region.
We look forward to welcoming residents, families, future team members, and community partners starting in late 2028.
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