Worcester, Mass.— Rogerson Communities has secured a $1.2 million federal funding earmark to support a senior housing redevelopment project in Worcester, the organization announced this week.
The project includes the historic restoration of the St. Vincent Hospital Convent and Nurses Home, which are attached to the Worcester Senior Center, as well as the construction of a new affordable independent living apartment building. Once complete, the development will provide a total of 98 affordable housing units for older adults.
According to Rogerson, the federal funding will be used to support lead and asbestos remediation work as part of the historic restoration.
“These projects are essential and important to the well-being of older adults,” said Walter Ramos, president and CEO of Rogerson Communities. “Rogerson is thankful for the opportunity to bring affordable homes to the older adults of Worcester.”
The funding was announced at a press conference held Tuesday at the senior center, where local and federal officials joined project leaders.
U.S. Representative Jim McGovern said the development represents a significant investment in senior housing. “This project is a big deal. This will be a model for what senior housing can and should look like—homes that people can afford, connected to the resources they need as they grow older,” he said.
Joseph Petty, mayor of Worcester, said the project reflects a broader commitment to the city’s aging population. “This isn’t about cleaning up an old building, it’s about making good on our promises to the generation who built this city,” he said.
City Manager Eric Batista noted that the city has sought a qualified developer for the site for several years. “I know that Rogerson can get this project done because of their proven record—not only in Worcester but across the state,” he said.
The redevelopment will create a campus-style setting that integrates housing with existing services and programming for seniors, aiming to support independent living and access to care.
