For organizations managing multi-facility senior living communities, the ability to anticipate capital needs is a cornerstone of financial stability. Without a strategic plan, facilities risk costly surprises that can impact budgets, resident satisfaction, and operational efficiency. Buckner Senior Living, a leading nonprofit provider of senior housing, recognized this challenge and turned to zumBrunnen for a data-driven solution.
Buckner’s history is deeply rooted in service. Established in 1879, the organization has evolved from an orphanage into a multifaceted nonprofit, serving both children and seniors through a wide range of programs. Today, Buckner operates multiple senior living communities, and as Director of Construction and Facilities Maintenance Luke Crowson puts it, “It’s a lot of spinning plates to keep in the air.” Managing these properties requires a sophisticated approach to capital planning—one that balances immediate maintenance needs with long-term infrastructure investments.
The Shift from Reactive to Proactive Planning
Before engaging zumBrunnen, Buckner had relied on internal assessments and external architects for evaluating facility conditions. However, as communities aged and maintenance costs increased, leadership saw the value in a structured capital reserve planning process. “We had been doing repositioning projects and renovations, but we realized that even our newer buildings were aging faster than expected,” Crowson explained.
With this in mind, Buckner sought a partner that specialized in senior living capital planning. zumBrunnen, with its decades of experience and in-depth facility assessments, proved to be the right fit. They began by conducting capital reserve studies at two of Buckner’s communities—in Beaumont and Houston—in early 2024. The results were eye-opening.
A Comprehensive 10-Year Forecast
Unlike traditional facility audits that provide only a five-year outlook, zumBrunnen’s methodology offered a 10-year forecast. “That level of detail was more thorough than anything we had experienced before,” Crowson noted. By analyzing every component—from HVAC systems to roofing, from boilers to flooring—zumBrunnen’s reports provided Buckner with a clear roadmap for future investments.
These insights reshaped how Buckner approached its budgeting process. “We’re using these reports to guide our 2026 budget discussions. In March and April, we’ll be meeting with each community to go over their needs, aligning their requests with the data we now have,” Crowson said. This level of proactive planning ensures that Buckner can address critical maintenance issues before they become emergencies while strategically allocating funds for capital improvements that enhance resident experience.
Data-Driven Decision-Making for Long-Term Success
One of the biggest advantages of zumBrunnen’s approach is its ability to integrate with Buckner’s existing maintenance management software. By incorporating zumBrunnen’s forecasts into their CMMS system, Buckner can track asset performance and plan replacements based on real-time conditions. “For example, if a boiler is expected to last another four years but we’ve had multiple maintenance issues, we can adjust our forecast accordingly,” Crowson explained.
Beyond individual asset management, the reports have also informed high-level strategic decisions. “When we see that an asset requires significant investment, it prompts larger discussions—does it make sense to continue investing in this building, or should we consider repositioning or selling it?” Crowson said. Having these conversations based on objective data rather than assumptions is a game-changer for Buckner’s leadership.
Scaling the Program for Growth
Following the success of the initial audits, Buckner expanded the program to additional communities in 2025, including its Austin and Longview locations. Next year, they plan to assess their newest development, Ventana by Buckner, which opened in 2019. “Even with new buildings, we’re realizing that proactive assessments help us plan ahead,” Crowson said.
Moreover, as Buckner explores growth opportunities, they see zumBrunnen as a key partner in their acquisition due diligence process. “When we’re considering acquiring a community, we want to know exactly what we’re getting into. Having zumBrunnen conduct a Property Condition Assessment ensures we’re making informed investment decisions,” Crowson explained.
An Ongoing Partnership for Success
With zumBrunnen’s expertise, Buckner has transformed its approach to capital planning, ensuring that facilities remain competitive, financially sustainable, and aligned with resident expectations. “We’re not just reacting to problems anymore—we’re making strategic decisions based on data,” Crowson emphasized.
As senior living providers continue to navigate a challenging post-pandemic landscape, the importance of financial foresight cannot be overstated. Organizations like Buckner are proving that with the right tools and expertise, long-term success is not just possible—it’s planned for.
