Linn Foundation funding supports six-story redevelopment with 66 memory care units and 41 affordable apartments for older adults
BOSTON— Rogerson Communities has received a $250,000 grant from the Ruby W. and LaVon P. Linn Foundation to support the redevelopment of Rogerson House in Jamaica Plain, a project designed to expand both memory care and affordable housing options for older adults.
The planned six-story building will replace the existing Rogerson House facility and include 66 memory care units and 41 affordable independent-living apartments for older adults.
The development will also feature space for Rogerson’s memory care social day program and a Fitness FIRST center, along with more than 20,000 square feet of outdoor space. The plans call for four garden areas, portions of which will be accessible to the public.
The Linn Foundation grant comes as the project has gained significant momentum over the past six months.
The project has received approval from the Boston Planning and Development Agency and unanimous approval from Boston’s Zoning Board of Appeals. It has also secured $3 million in funding from the Mayor’s Office of Housing.
The new grant adds to more than $1.6 million in philanthropic contributions raised for the project so far this year.
“Affordable housing and memory care are two of the most pressing needs for older adults in the Commonwealth, and this project uniquely addresses both,” said Walter Ramos, president and CEO of Rogerson Communities. “Philanthropic institutions see the need for projects like Rogerson House as clearly as anyone, and play a critical role in bringing more care to more older adults. We are extremely excited and grateful to receive this award.”
Growing need for senior housing and dementia care
Rogerson said the redevelopment comes as Massachusetts faces a growing need for affordable senior housing and specialized memory care.
By 2030, nearly 2 million Massachusetts residents are expected to be over age 60, according to the organization, with more than half expected to lack sufficient resources for housing and care.
Dementia is another growing concern. More than 150,000 people in Massachusetts currently live with dementia, a figure Rogerson says is expected to double by 2060.
The organization says the new Rogerson House will help address both challenges by combining affordable independent living with dedicated memory care in one development.
The project is part of Rogerson’s broader effort to modernize and expand its flagship Jamaica Plain community while continuing to provide housing and supportive services for older adults.
Serving more than 2,000 older adults
Rogerson Communities has provided services to older adults in Massachusetts since 1860. Today, the organization operates 25 communities and programs serving more than 2,000 older adults.
Its services include affordable housing, memory care, senior living and adult day health programs.
Rogerson’s mission is to promote the well-being and independence of older adults by integrating housing, community and care as people age.
The organization says the Jamaica Plain redevelopment will allow it to continue that mission while responding to the state’s changing demographics and increasing demand for affordable senior housing and memory care.
More information about Rogerson Communities and its programs is available at Rogerson Communities.
