LYNN– The Planning Board signed off on the 2Life Project Plans for the Solimine Home, located near the former Union Hospital at 500 Lynnfield St, on Tuesday.
After the North Shore Medical Center closed its former Union Hospital in 2020, David Solimine Jr. purchased the site and later donated it to Element Care and 2Life.
In January, it was announced that the building would be named after philanthropists Mary Jane and David Solimine.
The vote to approve the final version of the plans for the 150-unit senior affordable housing complex was unanimous, and 2Life and architecture company Stantec will now try to obtain a building permit for the Solimine Home within the next few months.
“We’re looking to do a building permit early in the summer, but it’s contingent on funding,” said Chris Fee, a landscape architect for Stantec.
During the meeting, concerns were expressed regarding parking availability at the site and if there would be enough parking for those wishing to visit family members living at the housing complex.
“How are we going to account for a lot of the spaces if these are already taken by people who live there?” asked board member William Maher.
Fee said that there are about 70 parking spots that are primarily for Element Care workers, and 38 for 2Life workers. He said that on weekends and holidays, when visiting hours would have the most demand, there would be plenty of parking available between the 108 total spots. He said any of 2Life’s residents do not have vehicles, which would also ease the demand for parking, and the site lies on an MBTA route so residents will be able to access transportation if needed.
Fee noted that a few changes to parking were made on the design, with parking spots being relocated to the back of the site. He said parking can be accessed off of Woodland Avenue.
After the building permit is obtained, 2Life is looking to break ground on the site as early as December 2023.
“The goal is to be in construction in December, but it’s all pending funding and coordination,” said Fee.
2Life Vice President Lizbeth Heyer said in an interview with The Item that they expect the project to be completed by 2025.
