2Life Communities Celebrates Groundbreaking of Solimine House in Lynn
A Major Milestone for Affordable Senior Housing on the North Shore
Last week, senior housing developer, owner, operator, and advocate 2Life Communities marked a significant milestone with the official groundbreaking of Solimine House in Lynn, Massachusetts. The celebratory event drew an enthusiastic crowd of community members, elected officials, project partners, and funders, all united by a shared commitment to addressing the growing need for affordable housing for older adults.
Scheduled for completion in fall 2027, Solimine House will provide 150 new apartments for seniors aged 62 and older. All homes will be 100% affordable, serving households earning up to 60% of the area median income (AMI). To further support low- and extremely low-income residents, the project will include additional rental subsidies, ensuring that some seniors pay no more than 30% of their income toward rent.
Located at 500 Lynnfield Street, the new community sits adjacent to the Element Care headquarters and its Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) center, offering residents convenient access to coordinated healthcare and supportive services.
A Vision Rooted in Community and Collaboration
“2Life is thrilled to be expanding to the North Shore by creating a vibrant, service-enriched community where 150 of Lynn’s older adults can age affordably in their own city,” said Lizbeth Heyer, President of 2Life Communities. “For the past four years, we have worked closely with residents, government leaders, our development partner David Solimine, and many other stakeholders to design a beautiful, accessible, and energy-efficient building that complements the surrounding neighborhood. Breaking ground today is an important step toward helping Lynn seniors thrive.”
The event highlighted the power of public-private partnerships in tackling the region’s housing affordability crisis. Attendees included Lynn Mayor Jared C. Nicholson, Congressman Seth Moulton, State Senator Brendan Crighton, State Representatives Donald Wong and Sean Reid, senior state officials, and leadership from Element Care.
Strong Local and State Support
The Lynn City Council was well represented, underscoring strong municipal backing for the project. Councilors from across multiple wards, councilors-at-large, councilors-elect, and City Council President Jay Walsh attended, reinforcing the city’s unified support for senior housing development.
Mayor Nicholson praised the project as a transformative investment for the city. “We are thrilled to see the beginning of this development, which represents a major step forward in expanding affordable and accessible housing for Lynn’s seniors,” he said. “Solimine House will foster a supportive community where older residents can remain connected and flourish.”
Governor Maura Healey also recognized the importance of the initiative. “Solimine House will create hundreds of reasonably priced homes for our seniors and demonstrates how underutilized properties can be transformed into housing that lowers costs and strengthens communities,” she said. “My administration is proud to support this milestone.”
Transforming a Historic Site With Purpose
The Solimine House site carries deep local significance. When North Shore Medical Center closed the former Union Hospital in 2020, the property became available for redevelopment. Local developer and philanthropist David J. Solimine, Jr., along with his wife Magnolia Contreras, purchased the site with the intention of giving back to the Lynn community.
The building is named in honor of Solimine’s parents, Mary Jane and David J. Solimine, Sr., whose values inspired generations of community service. “We knew 2Life would create the right kind of housing,” said Solimine. “The proximity to Element Care’s PACE center and Mass General Brigham Medical Center also ensures integrated healthcare—something essential for seniors.”
Financing a Deeply Affordable Community
In January 2024, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities awarded 2Life a comprehensive funding package that includes state funding, federal and state Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, and Massachusetts Rental Vouchers. The City of Lynn also contributed funding and additional project-based rental subsidies.
In total, 108 apartments will be supported with project-based vouchers, allowing residents to pay just 30% of their income toward rent. The remaining 42 apartments will be priced substantially below market rates, helping address the city’s pressing need for deeply affordable senior housing.
“This project aligns perfectly with Lynn’s housing production plan,” said Charles Gaeta, Executive Director of the Lynn Housing Authority & Neighborhood Development. “We are confident that 2Life will deliver a senior community the city can be proud of.”
Thoughtful Design, Services, and Sustainability
Solimine House will feature the hallmark amenities and programming found in every 2Life community. Residents will have access to a lively ground-floor village center that includes a multipurpose room, fitness space, wellness office, and social lounges.
An enclosed walkway connecting the building to Element Care’s PACE center will provide residents with seamless access to comprehensive healthcare services. Upper floors will feature balconies, a classroom, and a three-season porch, while outdoor amenities include a landscaped courtyard with walking paths, seating, and elevated garden beds.
The building will meet Passive House design standards, incorporating electric VRF heating and cooling systems and an on-site solar photovoltaic array. All apartments will feature universal design and adaptability elements, enabling residents to live independently as their needs change.
Broad Support From Funders and Partners
The project is supported by a wide range of public and private funders, including Bank of America, Citizens Bank, MassHousing, MassDevelopment, Eastern Bank Foundation, Element Care, Cummings Foundation, the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, and the Solimine Charitable Corporation, among many others.
Together, these partners are helping bring Solimine House to life—creating a lasting legacy of affordability, dignity, and community for Lynn’s seniors.
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