by Betsy Collins
Keeping in step with the evolving residential needs, more active lifestyles, and trends in the senior multi-family housing sector are all crucial for success. A shining example is The Charlestown, located in the heart of Boston’s Charlestown neighborhood.
Once known as the Zelma Lacey House, this former assisted living facility has undergone a metamorphosis, becoming a vibrant and sustainable 48-unit community that caters to the needs of modern senior living. This transformation, made possible through $16.8 million in affordable housing financing, is something its original namesake would likely take pride in. Lacey was a lifelong resident of the Boston neighborhood, and a passionate advocate for the senior population in her community, dedicating many years to improving the lives of older adults in Charlestown.
Today, The Charlestown offers a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, including mobility-accessible and sensory units. The apartment complex is complete with modern conveniences and thoughtful designer finishes, with interior spaces united by a nautical-inspired theme.
The Charlestown supports seniors in maintaining an independent lifestyle as they age. Beyond traditional resident services, it offers essential amenities for an active aging population, including a community room with a Wi-Fi lounge, a water bottle filling station, conference rooms, electric car charging stations, and a variety of resident services programs and activities.
The Charlestown
Wellness programs, including fitness classes, workshops, and nutrition counseling, prioritize residents’ physical health and emotional well-being. Recreational activities are a core part of life at The Charlestown, providing opportunities for socialization, fun, and community bonding. Residents can participate in events, outings, and games that promote camaraderie and a sense of belonging. Additionally, The Charlestown encourages artistic pursuits among residents, offering art classes, music sessions, and other creative outlets. These activities provide a means of self-expression and contribute to personal growth and fulfillment.
Of great note is The Charlestown’s commitment to sustainability. Previously reliant on natural gas, the building now boasts new electric HVAC systems, reducing its carbon footprint and energy costs. An 84kw solar panel system has been installed, enhancing its energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. Other energy-saving upgrades, such as new windows, appliances, and LED lighting, have been implemented, ensuring that The Charlestown is a comfortable and affordable living option for seniors and a responsible steward of the environment.
While The Charlestown now features modern amenities and sustainability enhancements, it has retained several key architectural elements, including its colonial design that reflects the historic buildings in the neighborhood. Additionally, the private gardens and outdoor spaces have been maintained and revitalized, creating a hidden jewel adjacent to the historic cemetery where John Harvard was buried, in the heart of urban Charlestown. This blend of historical charm and modern functionality has been recognized by the National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA), which awarded The Charlestown the 2024 Vanguard Award for Major Rehabilitation of an Existing Housing Community.
The Charlestown’s successful transformation from the Zelma Lacey House into a vibrant and sustainable community for seniors demonstrates the potential for underutilized structures to be repurposed into thoughtful, high-quality, affordable housing. The positive impact of The Charlestown on its residents is evident in the community that has been created: a place where seniors can live independently, a place where they can enjoy an active lifestyle, and a place that values their contributions and respects their affordable housing needs.
Betsy Collins
Betsy Collins is vice president, development for The Peabody Companies. She can be reached at [email protected].
