2025
Harris & Associates provided full construction management and Owner’s Representative services for Aldersly’s Phase 2 campus expansion in San Rafael—a $45 million investment advancing the nonprofit senior living community’s century-long legacy. Originally founded as a haven for Danish immigrants, Aldersly continues to embrace the Danish concept of hygge—a focus on comfort, warmth, and meaningful connection. The Marselisborg project was designed to elevate the resident experience, modernize campus facilities, and enhance long-term community vitality.
As the Owner’s Representative, Harris oversaw day-to-day coordination among the design and construction teams, managed project controls, and supported key decision-making throughout preconstruction and construction. Our team provided construction management, schedule and cost reviews, contractor direction, and facilitation of Owner-Architect-Contractor meetings. Early in the project, Harris collaborated closely with the design team to evaluate building enclosure solutions and refine building systems to improve performance, durability, and constructability—laying the foundation for a smooth construction sequence.
Core Elements
The Phase 2 expansion required extensive sitework and careful phasing to replace older residential buildings while maintaining campus operations and neighborhood access. Major components included demolition of four existing independent living apartment buildings and associated infrastructure, followed by construction of a new four-story structure with 35 modern independent living units, common areas, administrative spaces, and a subterranean parking garage.
Significant site improvements included installation of a 145-foot retaining wall anchored into bedrock, multiple new architectural retaining walls at the front entry, upgraded landscaping, and new electric-vehicle parking to support long-term sustainability goals. Harris provided ongoing field coordination and communication to address site constraints, complex utility tie-ins, and construction sequencing impacts on residents and staff.
Harris’ Construction Management Services
Harris supported the Owner through all phases of project delivery, including:
-
Managing day-to-day construction operations and field coordination
-
Facilitating stakeholder communication and Owner-Architect-Contractor meetings
-
Reviewing project schedules, progress billings, RFIs, and submittals
-
Providing cost oversight and identifying opportunities for value optimization
-
Collaborating with design partners to address enclosure and building system challenges
-
Monitoring contractor performance for conformance with plans and specifications
-
Supporting completion activities, punch list resolution, and project closeout
Beyond the Blueprints
Delivered with proactive oversight and technical expertise, Marselisborg represents Aldersly’s vision for a revitalized, state-of-the-art senior living community rooted in comfort, connection, and the Danish tradition of hygge. The project modernized the campus, expanded resident amenities, and preserved the welcoming, community-centered character that has defined Aldersly for more than a century.
