Former MA Campus Building to Become Memory Care Facility
Benchmark Senior Living is developing the adaptive reuse and extension of a former Andover Newton Theological School campus building. The new memory care facility will incorporate 50 units.
By Beata Lorincz
Former Farewell Hall in Newton, Mass.
The Washington Trust Co. has provided $19.1 million in financing to affiliates of Benchmark Senior Living (Benchmark) to support the adaptive reuse of the former Farwell Building, which is located on the campus of Andover Newton Theological School (ANTS) in Newton, Mass. The property will become a memory care facility.
Located on the western outskirts of Boston, ANTS was founded in 1807 as the first graduate institution in the United States. Farewell Hall dormitory, the school’s inaugural building, was constructed in 1828. According to The Boston Globe, developer Benchmark’s proposal to change the destination of the property into a senior living community was approved by the city’s aldermen in 2015.
Revamped, Extended
The development consists of the renovation of the former Farewell Hall and the addition of a two-story, 54,750 square-foot building to the rear of the outdated structure. The new property will comprise 50 memory care units in both buildings. Bechtel Frank Erickson Architects is currently working on the design plans.
“We’re seeing a growing need for additional senior care in Newton and this project allows us to uniquely focus on providing outstanding services for those living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related memory loss,” said Kris Yetman, Benchmark’s director of Development, in prepared remarks.
Last May, Benchmark expanded its Massachusetts senior portfolio with the acquisition of New Pond Village, a 199-unit retirement community in Walpole, Mass.
Image via Google Street View
