Wenham, MA – Harborlight Homes, a nonprofit affordable home developer and manager, recently celebrated the completion of its newest community, Maple Woods, with project team Windover Construction and SV Design with a ribbon-cutting event. The event commemorated the project’s success and acknowledged all the stakeholders who helped bring the affordable housing development to Wenham. It also marked the start of resident move-in.
“We are very happy to have reached this milestone,” said Andrew DeFranza, executive director of Harborlight Homes. “Maple Woods represents the hard work of many project partners and donors who helped bring this to fruition. Designed for aging in place, it will serve vulnerable seniors for decades to come.”
The event began with building tours and a Massachusetts Senate Citation presented by Senator Bruce Tarr and Representative Sally Kerans. It also included remarks by several funding partners. In addition, Wenham town representative Huntley Skinner of the Wenham Affordable Housing Trust spoke on behalf of the community, and presentations were made to honor posthumously Anthony Feeherry and Harriet Davis by dedicating benches in their names for their work and support of Maple Woods.
Representative Sally Kerans and Senator Bruce Tarr present Andrew DeFranza (center) with a Massachusetts Senate Citation in celebration of the completion of Maple Woods
Located on a 4-acre wooded lot, Maple Woods is comprised of 45 one-bedroom apartment homes, all built for aging-in-place. It is ADA accessible and will support low- and fixed-income seniors. On-site property management and service coordination will also be offered. Amenities include community gardens, a computer room, library, laundry rooms, salon, private porches, common lounge areas, and walking paths. The project emphasizes sustainability and energy efficiency and is targeting LEED Gold certification. Construction began in early 2023 with a focus on an environment of wellness for the residents.
“Maple Woods will provide seniors with an affordable and serene setting to call home,” said Thad Siemasko, founding principal at SV Design. “In planning, we carefully considered how best to create a space here for residents to live life to the fullest, and we’re grateful to be a part of bringing this community to Wenham.”
“The Windover team is proud of our partnership with Harborlight and SV Design to bring this important project to our community, and excited to mark its completion with a celebration,” said Stuart Meurer, president and CEO of Windover Construction. “This project is a testament to true purpose-driven collaboration, and I look forward to this special place being a home for local seniors.”
