H
ager Homestead, New England's first senior cohousing community, has been completed by Nauset Construction in Littleton, MA. The 15-acre property, previously a dental practice and residence on King Street, now features 26 one- and two-bedroom homes across five distinct buildings.

    Residents enjoy shared amenities such as a renovated barn with a woodworking shop, a community garden, and 13 acres of open space with nature trails. The walkable location offers easy access to Littleton Center, Town Hall, and the public library, and is just a five-minute drive from the commuter rail station.

    "This project brings seniors together in independent living units surrounded by community gathering nodes and amenities," said Matthew Blackham, President of The Lexvest Group, LLC. "We've created a friendly, active, engaged community committed to making this shared environment work for everyone."

    Designed by Sheldon Pennoyer Architects, the development blends historic preservation with new construction. The Common House serves as the heart of the community, where residents gather for meals and social experiences. Nauset's expertise was critical in preserving the historic King Street façade and two side-facing elevations.

    The project includes a new three-story building in the Federal style, maintaining architectural harmony throughout the community. Three additional single-story cottage-style buildings were constructed to expand housing options. The existing residence is being redeveloped into a dedicated community building for resident events and social activities. Six units have been designated as affordable housing, with all but one unit sold to date.

    Hager Homestead also features two covered carports, outdoor parking spaces, and approximately 13 acres of protected open space, including a meadow, pond, and wetlands bounded by Beaver Brook. A walking path at the rear of the property has been designated as a public amenity for Littleton residents.

    The construction team faced challenges such as stabilizing the historic Common House during excavation and managing multiple concurrent builds while maintaining strict erosion control measures to protect the wetlands. "Hager Homestead challenged us to blend 18th-century architecture with 21st-century construction methods," said Benjamin Goldfarb, Vice President of Nauset Construction.