LYNN — A long-vacant site in Lynn took a major step toward renewal on Friday as 2Life Communities and city leaders broke ground on Solimine House, a new affordable senior housing development at the former Union Hospital property on Lynnfield Street.
Scheduled to open in fall 2027, Solimine House will deliver 150 affordable apartments for adults age 62 and older, all reserved for households earning up to 60% of the area median income. More than two-thirds of the apartments will include rental subsidies, ensuring that Lynn’s lowest-income seniors can remain in the city they call home.
Located at 500 Lynnfield St., the project represents a significant reinvestment in a historic site and reflects Lynn’s broader efforts to address its growing need for affordable housing — particularly for older residents.
“This project marks a major step forward in providing more affordable, accessible housing opportunities for our seniors,” said Mayor Jared Nicholson. “Solimine House will create a new community where Lynn’s older adults can flourish and stay connected.”
The groundbreaking drew a wide cross-section of the Lynn community, including city councilors, state and federal officials, nonprofit partners, and longtime residents, highlighting the collaboration behind the project. Elected officials in attendance included Congressman Seth Moulton, State Sen. Brendan Crighton, multiple members of the Lynn City Council, and representatives from state housing and aging agencies.
Beyond housing, Solimine House is designed to function as a hub for healthy, connected aging. Residents will have access to a ground-floor “village center” featuring a multipurpose room, fitness space, wellness office, and gathering areas. An enclosed walkway will directly connect the building to Element Care’s nearby PACE center, giving residents convenient access to comprehensive healthcare and supportive services.
The building will also include outdoor courtyards and gardens, walking paths, balconies, and a three-season porch — features intended to foster social connection and well-being. Designed to Passive House standards, the development will incorporate energy-efficient systems, solar power, and universal design features to help residents age safely and independently.
The site’s transformation began after North Shore Medical Center closed Union Hospital in 2020. Local developer and philanthropist David J. Solimine Jr. purchased the property with the goal of returning it to the community in a way that addressed Lynn’s housing and healthcare needs. The building is named in honor of his parents, Mary Jane and David J. Solimine Sr., whose legacy of civic involvement continues through the project.
City officials and housing advocates emphasized that Solimine House aligns with Lynn’s long-term housing strategy and demonstrates how underutilized properties can be reimagined to serve community needs.
“This project is about dignity and stability for Lynn seniors,” said Ward 1 City Councilor Pete Meaney. “It ensures that people who spent their lives contributing to this city can afford to remain here as they age.”
Funding for the development comes from a mix of city, state, federal, and private sources, including support from the City of Lynn, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, the Lynn Housing Authority & Neighborhood Development, and multiple philanthropic partners.
With construction underway, Solimine House stands as a symbol of Lynn’s commitment to inclusive growth — turning a shuttered hospital site into a vibrant new community that will serve generations of older residents.
Residents and families interested in learning more can visit 2LifeCommunities.org/SolimineHouse for updates and housing lottery information.
