WALTHAM, Mass. – 2Life Communities announced that the first move-ins are under way at the newly completed Leland House. Located at 21 Newton Street in Waltham, Leland House is 2Life’s 11th property and first in Waltham, bringing its innovative model of aging in community to more seniors across the state.
“We are thrilled to welcome our first residents to Leland House, a place where dignity, comfort, and community come together in an excellent location that is just steps away from the senior center and Waltham’s vibrant city center,” said Lizbeth Heyer, President of 2Life Communities. “We are looking forward to getting to know these new residents and providing them with the supports and services that are true hallmarks of the 2Life experience.”
Leland House features 68 new service-enriched, affordable apartments for seniors, 66 of which are one-bedroom and two of which are two-bedroom. The apartments have full kitchens and bathrooms, as well as universal design elements to adapt to residents’ changing abilities as they age.
The three-story building also includes a Village Center on the ground floor, a signature part of all 2Life campuses, to provide flexible spaces for fitness and wellness activities, arts and cultural programming, community events, and more.
Local elected officials including Waltham Mayor Jeannette McCarthy, Representative John Lawn, Representative Thomas Stanley, staff from Senator Michael Barrett’s office, and members of the Waltham City Council recently toured Leland House to learn more about the state-of-the-art facilities and services that the campus will offer to local seniors moving in as residents.
“Today is an exciting day for Waltham as 2Life Communities welcomes residents to Leland House, a development that emphasizes affordability, adaptability, and connection – all of which contribute directly to the long-term wellbeing of seniors,” said Representative John Lawn, House Chair of the Healthcare Financing Committee who also represents the Leland House area in Waltham. “The Leland House will offer peace of mind to families and ensure that seniors have a safe, affordable option to age well, right here in the community. I’m grateful to 2Life for the contribution and look forward to seeing its positive impact for years to come.”
“Leland House offers a beautiful and affordable place to live for seniors,” said City of Waltham Mayor Jeanette McCarthy. “Thank you to 2Life Communities and all those associated with this project.”
“Today marks a significant milestone for our community as we celebrate the first move-ins at Leland House, just a few steps from our senior center,” said Patrick O’Brien, Director of the William F. Stanley Senior Center in Waltham. “It is incredibly important that seniors have the opportunity to age in place, surrounded by familiar people and resources that make them feel connected and supported, with proximity to the services, activities, and social connections that are essential for maintaining health and well-being.”
“Waltham is blessed and fortunate to welcome 2Life and the new Leland House into our community. The Leland Home has been a presence in Waltham for over 100 years, and we are thrilled about the opportunity to rebuild it to create affordable housing for our very deserving seniors,” said Glenna Galineau, Board Member of the former Leland Home. “Thank you 2Life for continuing this much needed concept in The City of Waltham. The project has exceeded all expectations, and on behalf of all the citizens of Waltham….THANK YOU!”
Leland House replaces the former Leland Home, which was built in 1879 and served generations of older adults in a traditional rest home setting. Leland House provides much-needed housing to the local senior population. Situated right off Main Street, the campus offers an ideal location in close proximity to transit, retail, and the local William F. Stanley Senior Center.
Leland House is the latest demonstration of how 2Life’s model addresses the two biggest threats to aging optimally: affordability and loneliness. Most seniors live on fixed incomes with declining assets, and face an increased risk of loneliness, which has been linked to numerous detrimental health outcomes. By providing deeply supportive, affordable housing and creating dynamic environments where seniors can thrive, 2Life offers seniors the opportunity to age in their communities.
2Life aims to expand this model, in collaboration with federal, state, and local policymakers, to support seniors across the state in living affordably with purpose and dignity. In addition to Leland House, 2Life has six completed campuses and five more campuses in pre- and active development. 2Life’s waitlist for all its greater Boston campuses is currently over 7,000 people long, highlighting the urgent demand for affordable, service-enriched housing that allows seniors to age in their communities.
