completed 2024
Boston’s senior population is growing - according to the city’s Boston 2030 report, the number of senior households will increase by 53% between 2010 and 2030. Compounded with this demand, many senior residents do not have the financial resources necessary for a basic standard of living. The 142-unit affordable housing community for seniors seeks to address this need while introducing design strategies that will help residents live better, longer.
MASS worked with 2Life Communities and the existing residents of J.J. Carroll to develop a model for high density housing that prioritizes resident connections and communal activities linked to aging well.
The conventional double-loaded corridor apartment block was reconsidered to create clusters of unit “neighborhoods” with five to eight apartments that plug into a central zone of community program space. This framework creates opportunities for meaningful communal programming at a variety of scales and increases access to green space and natural light.
The project features commercial space, a community health center, and over 15,000 square feet of publicly accessible open space. An intergenerational play space encourages interaction between senior residents and neighbors throughout the Brighton community
Upon final certification in spring of 2025, JJ Carroll Redevelopment become the largest Passive House [PHIUS] certified building in Massachusetts
Press
JJ Carroll wins First Place in 2024 Senior Housing News Architecture and Design Awards, Affordable Housing category
JJ Carroll in Dwell ; Well-Designed Affordable Housing is Possible
JJ Carroll in Think Wood ; MASS Design Group’s Senior Housing Redevelopment Fosters Resident Connections in Boston
JJ Carroll Redevelopment was completed in 2024
Architect: MASS Design Group
Owner: 2Life Communities
images courtesy of MASS Design Group