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n a major boost to affordable housing in Massachusetts, the Healey-Driscoll administration has awarded low-income tax credits and state bond funds to Brooke House at Olmsted Village, a senior housing development in Boston's Mattapan neighborhood. This award is part of a broader effort to increase affordable housing opportunities across the Commonwealth.
Scheduled for construction in early 2026, Brooke House will provide 127 apartments that are 100% affordable to households with incomes up to 60% area median income (AMI). The project's developer, 2Life Communities, has a proven track record of creating service-enriched communities that address the needs of seniors.
Governor Maura Healey emphasized the importance of addressing high housing costs in Massachusetts. "Our administration is committed to increasing housing production across the state to lower costs," she said. "These affordable housing awards will help us get there."
Lizbeth Heyer, President of 2Life Communities, praised the state's support for Brooke House. "We are grateful that the state is moving quickly to address the needs of its rapidly growing senior population," she said.
Brooke House was one of 14 affordable housing projects across the state to receive awards. The project will integrate healthcare, childcare, and community spaces to support residents' needs. State Senator Liz Miranda called it a "pivotal moment" for the Mattapan community, while State Representative Russell E. Holmes praised 2Life's track record of listening to seniors and providing affordable housing.
The building has been designed to Passive House standards, reducing its carbon footprint and improving health, economic, and environmental benefits. Apartments will meet universal design standards, allowing residents to remain in their homes as their physical needs change.
A Village Center on the ground floor will serve as a hub of activity, offering programs and services such as resident services coordination, fitness/wellness programs, lifelong learning, and arts and culture programs. The project's unique feature is its integration with the Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center and the Shattuck Child Care Center, which will provide healthcare and childcare services to residents and the broader community.
Brooke House is part of Olmsted Village, a redevelopment of the former Boston State Hospital Campus in Mattapan. 2Life is also developing Treehouse at Olmsted Village in partnership with the Treehouse Foundation, which unites foster, adoptive, and kinship families with older adults who become "honorary grandparents."
