RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that Sunrise Senior Living will expand its McLean-based corporate headquarters, creating more than 140 new jobs in Fairfax County. The new jobs come in conjunction with Sunrise’s announced plans to acquire Marriott Senior Living Services, Inc. The majority of the new jobs are ones that will transfer from Marriott’s headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland. Through a multi-million dollar investment, Sunrise is expanding its existing office space by 116,338 square feet to a total of 164,838 square feet.
“I am pleased to welcome these quality jobs to Fairfax County,” said Governor Warner. “This acquisition makes Sunrise Senior Living the nation’s largest provider of senior living services. The presence of this leading company’s corporate headquarters in Fairfax County further positions the state to become a magnet for companies in the financial, insurance; and real estate sectors (FIRE).”
Sunrise Senior Living, which was founded in Fairfax County, is one of the nation’s oldest and largest providers of senior living services. Following the close of the Marriott transaction, which is expected to happen by the end of the first quarter of 2003, the company will employ nearly 30,000 people, have over 350 senior living communities either open or under construction in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada with a combined resident capacity of approximately 40,000. Sunrise expects its corporate headquarters expansion to be complete in September of 2003.
“My wife Terry and I opened the first Sunrise community in Fairfax County more than 21 years ago and have always considered the area as Sunrise’s home,” said Paul Klaassen, Sunrise Senior Living Founder, Chairman and CEO. “Since that time, we have expanded the number of Sunrise Senior Living communities in the county and grown our corporate headquarters from a staff of two to close to 500. We are excited to continue our expansion here as we integrate the two organizations under the Sunrise name.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority assisted the company with its decision. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce training services.
“Sunrise is a longtime corporate citizen of Fairfax County and we are excited that it is growing and will become the country’s largest provider of senior living services. Our excellent workforce and quality of life make this a great place to build any business,” said Katherine K. Hanley, Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.