Building for the Golden Years: Charlie Hasson on Affordable Housing & Building Long-Term Relationships
Charlie Hasson is a Senior Project Manager and a core member of ARCO/Murray’s multifamily team. Over the years, he has played a key role in delivering repeat senior living projects for long-term clients, including ARCO’s growing work with Vermilion Development and its Silver Birch assisted living program. We sat down with Charlie to talk about how the partnership began, what makes these projects different, and why they continue to be some of the most rewarding work of his career.
ARCO/Murray’s work with Silver Birch has been years in the making. What began as one project in Indiana has grown into a multi-state partnership focused on bringing affordable assisted living to communities across the Midwest. We sat down with Charlie Hasson, Senior Project Manager, to talk about what makes these projects special and what it’s like to help shape the next generation of senior living.
Q: ARCO’s relationship with Silver Birch goes back quite a few years. How did this partnership begin?
A: It started more than a decade ago with our first project for Vermilion Development at 734 Sheridan in Chicago. At the time, a few contractors had looked at the deal but couldn’t solve the parking layout. Our team figured out a way to make it work, which kicked off a great partnership. When I’m at Wrigley cheering on the Cubs, I love pointing out the project as the one that kicked off everything that followed! As we worked together on it, our team learned about Vermilion’s Silver Birch brand in Indiana with an upcoming project in Kokomo. After completing six facilities across the state, we are excited to be continuing the momentum into Ohio.
Q: What makes the Silver Birch program different from other senior living projects you’ve worked on?
A: The best way I can describe this is in how you feel returning to a project after completing it. On our other types of multifamily work, returning to a completed project feels good as you embrace the sense of accomplishment. Returning to a Silver Birch just means more to me. The people living in the communities are so happy to be there, and letting them know we were part of the team that built the facility is met with smiles and joy, rather than complaints.
Each Silver Birch facility provides housing and support for about 120 low-income residents, yet they never feel institutional. They are designed to be warm, social spaces where people can really live. You walk in, and it feels like home. One of my favorite memories is visiting after completion and seeing “Elvis Night.” Everyone was singing and smiling. Another favorite memory was at the beginning of COVID; I 3D printed many masks and face shields for the communities to help out when sourcing supplies was difficult. The community-building aspect of these facilities brings a strong feeling of fulfillment, and whether it is during or after construction, it means a lot to me to see these facilities continue to succeed in their mission
Q: Moving from Indiana into Ohio came with new state regulations. How did your team approach that transition?
A: Ohio passed a law similar to Indiana’s that opened the door for affordable assisted living, but the interpretation of those requirements varies from state to state. We worked closely with WJW Architects, Vermilion, and our engineering partners, including CAGE, Martin/Martin, HNA, and ASD, to translate those rules into real design decisions. It was about speed and precision, figuring out how to adapt quickly while still maintaining the quality and consistency of the Silver Birch program that everyone had come to know and love.
Q: What do you think has made this partnership so successful over time?
A: Trust and alignment. When you have completed nearly ten projects together, there is a shared language. Everyone knows the goal is to create high-quality, affordable assisted living, while delivering projects efficiently in a competitive market. That continuity also extends to our subcontractors. We have had many of the same trade partners on multiple Silver Birch projects, and that familiarity helps us maintain cost, schedule, and quality control.
Q: With several projects now underway in Ohio, what is next for the Silver Birch program?
A: The first Ohio facility will turn over in early 2026, and a few others are in different stages of construction. The big focus right now is making the program repeatable by using lessons from past projects to streamline future ones. It is exciting because every build strengthens the process. We know the impact these communities have, and it feels good to be part of something that makes life better for so many people. We are excited to continue building several more Silver Birch facilities over the years to come.
Q: Looking back, what stands out most to you about this experience?
A: For me, it will always be about the people. Working with a repeat client like Vermilion, design partners, and strong engineers and subcontractors creates a team that genuinely cares. The daily conversations with everyone involved are smoother, built on long-term relationships and a shared commitment to continued success. Plus, building for the betterment of the community means that generally, people are more understanding and willing to go the extra mile to make sure quality is high. There is mutual respect, and everyone brings their best. That is rare. You don’t always get to build something meaningful and enjoy the process along the way.