Here’s hoping for smooth sailing

A 50-unit memory care community in Costa Mesa, California is hoping for a more stable, and successful, future following its recent sale to Pacifica Senior Living. Built in 1992, the community underwent a substantial $1.72 million renovation to its common areas and units in 2011. However, in the past five years, a number of operational changes damaged the facility’s brand name as each operator had different visions of how to run the property. Occupancy ultimately suffered, falling to 70% early this summer, and the community was losing money. But for Pacifica, there is plenty of upside. Rents are currently below market rates at nearby competitors, and with nearly all semi-private units (there are 98 beds), an increase in occupancy can result in significant revenue gains. The purchase price came to $6.5 million, or $130,000 per unit. Evans Senior Investments represented the seller, Sorenson Capital, in the transaction.