Holbrook, MA NeighborWorks Housing Solutions (NHS) held a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the opening of its newest housing development, Maple on Franklin, located at 120 North Franklin St.

The 72-unit senior housing development, which first broke ground in early 2022, represents the work of multiple contributors committed to bringing much-needed affordable housing for seniors to the region. The need for affordable housing is at a critical point, especially for seniors who are looking to age in place near their support systems, families, and community – more than 500 applications were received for the 72 units available. Residents have just begun moving in and should all be in place next month.

The community is also passive house-certified, one of only seven in the commonwealth to achieve this certification, and one of the first in southeastern Massachusetts. This designation is a voluntary standard for energy efficiency, which will keep utility costs low and help to keep all the units affordable.

NeighborWorks Housing Solutions served as the developer of the project, with The Narrow Gate, NEI General Contracting, and Maloney Properties making up the project team. Volunteers from NEI General Contracting also recently donated and helped assemble 75 “welcome baskets” filled with an assortment of home goods and essentials to make the new tenants who will be moving into the Maple on Franklin feel more welcome and help them get settled and comfortable in their new surroundings. 

Maple on Franklin represents the work of multiple contributors committed to bringing much-needed affordable housing for seniors to the region. Speakers at the event included speaker of the house representative Ron Mariano, state senator John Keenan, state representative Mark Cusack, Tim Doherty of NHS, Sherry Zou from the city of Quincy and the South Shore HOME Consortium, Roger Herzog of Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC), Alma Balonon-Rosen from the Massachusetts Housing Partnership, and Yongmei Chen, senior vice president at construction lender Eastern Bank.

“We are thrilled to work with the town of Holbrook and the many funders and partners to help create much needed affordable housing that will welcome 72 seniors later this month,” said Robert Corley, CEO of NeighborWorks Housing Solutions. “This development is another example of true public and private partnerships coming together to convert a once vacant lot into housing that will have a lasting impact on this community. Holbrook was the ideal location because of the town’s amenities and proximity to so many local resources such as public transportation, local stores and restaurants, and services specifically geared toward seniors. The Holbrook area is truly special. We are so grateful to all our partners who contributed to making this a reality,” Corley said.