Chelsea, MA – Erland Construction, Inc. has completed construction of the new 91,000sf, 100-unit Leonard Florence Center for Living for the Chelsea Jewish Foundation. This is the first skilled nursing facility built in Massachusetts in 13 years; the first urban Green House built in the United States; and the first facility of its kind for ALS and MS patients. Erland finished the project in 19 months.
The six-story skilled nursing facility features 10 “houses,” each with 10 bedrooms clustered around an open kitchen and living area. Modeled after the Green House style created by Dr. William Thomas, residents of each house enjoy home-cooked meals prepared in their own kitchen and served at a common table near their rooms. Each house has its own dedicated staff of caregivers responsible for preparing meals and assisting the residents. A separate clinical support team – including nurses, social workers, therapists, medical directors, nutritionists, and pharmacists – visit the houses regularly to provide services as needed.
Erland teamed with development/financial consultants, Affirmative Investments; owner’s representative, CS2/NE; and architect, DiMella Shaffer Associates on this exciting and challenging endeavor.
