VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) – The long-awaited Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay expansion project has now officially started.

The 22-floor senior living community is in response to the growing senior population in Virginia Beach.

According to a study by Plante Moran, Virginia Beach ranked in the top three metro areas with the most significant demand for additional senior housing. An additional study by LeadingAge Virginia predicts an overall 48.47% increase in the senior population by the year 2030.

“It is our generation’s turn to step up and expand to ensure our older neighbors and friends have excellent lifestyle choices for their freedom years, as well as top-notch services and healthcare they might need,” J. Benjamin Unkle Jr., President and CEO of Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay said. “Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay was founded more than 40 years ago and remains committed to our Christian mission of economic accessibility. One-third of our apartments are internally subsidized, and we offer financial assistance to residents through the generosity of our supporting foundation.”

The $450 million project is expected to create over 155 jobs and generate $2.3 million in property tax annually for Virginia Beach.