Groundbreaking ceremony celebrates next chapter of growth for Durham, N.H. continuing care retirement community
DURHAM, N.H., July 15, 2026 — RiverWoods Durham, a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community, broke ground today on its Phase 2 expansion during a public ceremony marking the next chapter of growth for the community. The project will add 55 new independent living apartment homes across two beautifully designed buildings, along with a stand-alone community center. Interest in the expansion was immediate, with all 55 Phase 2 apartment homes reserved within 11 days of becoming available.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at RiverWoods Durham, 14 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, N.H., and featured remarks from RiverWoods leadership and project partners including RiverWoods Senior Director of Capital Development Pat O’Keefe, CE Floyd representative Jeff Palmer, RiverWoods Resident Council Chair Jeannie Richards, RiverWoods Durham Executive Director Natalee Belanger, Town of Durham Administrator Todd Selig, RiverWoods CCRC Board Chair Dan Chartrand, RiverWoods Chief Operating Officer, Kim Gaskell, and RiverWoods CEO Justine Vogel. Current residents, future Phase 2 residents, project architects, construction partners, and community leaders attended the event, sharing in the excitement and anticipation for this next chapter.
“Breaking ground on Phase 2 is a significant milestone for the continued growth of RiverWoods Durham,” said Natalee Belanger, Executive Director. “This project reflects years of thoughtful planning, meaningful resident feedback, and collaboration. We’re grateful to everyone who has helped bring this vision to life, and we look forward to welcoming future residents, while creating spaces that strengthen our community and provide peace of mind for years to come.”
Following the final remarks, attendees made their way over to the future home of the Heron building to turn the first dirt with ceremonial shovels. The site has already begun its transformation, with the area cleared and mobilized for construction, offering guests a glimpse at the progress to come.
The two residential buildings — Heron and Osprey — will expand RiverWoods Durham’s independent living offerings, while the Hatchwood Community Center will offer inviting gathering spaces, dining venues, and recreational areas. Construction will proceed in the coming months, with the first residents anticipated to move in late fall 2027.
“A real community isn’t something management creates and residents consume. It’s something we build together,” said RiverWoods CEO Justine Vogel, addressing the RiverWoods Durham Phase 2 future residents during the ceremony, “RiverWoods’ founders believed residents should be active participants, co-creators of community–citizens. And that idea remains at the heart of who we are. A building gives you a place to live, but you make it a community.”
About RiverWoods Durham
RiverWoods Durham is a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community located in Durham, New Hampshire, offering independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care. Part of the RiverWoods Group, RiverWoods Durham is committed to serving as an active partner and neighbor within the Durham community. For more information, visit riverwoodsnh.org.