The development is just one of many multifamily and single-family projects that have followed the population migration pattern west of Detroit.

Ericson Retirement Communities of Baltimore is building the 1,500-unit complex on 103 acres, with 14 residential apartment buildings and three support facilities. The complex will be similar to the company's Henry Ford Village in Dearborn that opened in 1993.

At the site, there will be 14 five-story residential buildings, three two-story community buildings and a comprehensive extended care center. The company will build 1,500 units; 1,100 independent apartments and 400 assisted living units, in phases over five to seven years.

The place will be a virtual city, says Mel Tansill, a company spokesman.

"We will feature education programs, cultural and religious events, aerobics, wellness programs, a health club, beauty shops, crafts rooms, billiards, an aquatic center, gardening areas, branch banks, computer Internet clubs, woodshops and more," Tansill tells GlobeSt.com.

He says the company has attracted $500 million over the last three years to finance this and other projects. The company is also opening a second site in New Jersey, and is starting the development process in Philadelphia.

"We have eight existing retirement communities in six different states, home to about 8,0000 moderate income retirees," Tansill says.

Attracting moderate income senior citizens is the company's niche, he adds.

Most of the units are rented at between $1,000 to $2,500 per month, he reports.

The company has received zoning approval from Novi to expand development to meet the market demand.