SWAMPSCOTT — The first residents will begin to move into the senior apartments at the former Machon Elementary School starting July 1.
A community celebration will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday at Jackson Field behind the building to celebrate the opening.
“These communities offer not only an affordable option for our seniors, but promote continued wellness, health and education as well,” said Karen Fish-Will, principal and CEO of Peabody Properties, which is managing the property.
The 1920s building on Burpee Road was converted into 38 one-bedroom apartments, preserving the original architectural detail. Additions to the building were also built. The mixed-income rental units are open to residents ages 55 and over.
Swampscott currently has less than 4 percent affordable housing, well below the state-mandated level of 10 percent. According to B’nai B’rith Housing, the nonprofit organization that developed the community, 35 percent of Swampscott residents will be over the age of 60 by 2030.
The Machon Elementary school was closed in 2007 and the building went unused until the town selected B’nai B’rith, which focuses on affordable housing developments, to redevelop it in 2016. The $16.75 million project was delayed by COVID-19, but is now ready to open.
Each apartment includes a bathroom and is approximately 670 square feet. The development includes common spaces and amenities such as a meeting room, library and fitness center, as well as offices for a property manager and resident service coordinator.
The Machon is accepting applications. For more information about the property, income guidelines or to access a housing application, visit livethemachon.com or call 617-691-0158.
Tréa Lavery can be reached at [email protected].
