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Ronald Brown, one of the namesakes of the Harold and Ronald Brown Family House in Brookline, speaks at 2Life Communities' groundbreaking celebration on Friday, Sept. 13. 2Life is partnering with Congregation Kehillath Israel to bring 62 affordable apartments for older adults to Coolidge Corner. Photo courtesy of 2Life Communities.
The late, famed Boston residential developer and landlord Harold Brown and his brother Ronald received another honor last week when 2Life Communities and Congregation Kehillath Israel broke ground on a Coolidge Corner affordable housing complex named in their honor.
2Life’s project ill create 62 units of affordable housing for older adults. Called the Harold and Ronald Brown Family House, the building will be located at 370 Harvard St., and will be physically connected with Congregation Kehillath Israel.
“Our older neighbors have lived what many of us have only learned. When the Brown Family House opens its doors, nearly 100 residents will be able to live independently without ever feeling alone. Breaking this ground today is just the beginning of a community that will receive the support, resources and affordable housing that they have earned after spending decades building this country,” Congressman Joe Kennedy III said in remarks delivered at the groundbreaking Sept. 13.
2Life partnered with Congregation Kehillath Israel to foster a multi-generational community that addresses the issues of social isolation and housing affordability. Located on the Kehillath Israel campus in Cooldige Corner, the state-of-the-art sustainable building will include 62 affordable rental apartments for people 62 and over with a range of incomes, vibrant common spaces, 1,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space for community-oriented retail, a new public pocket park on Harvard Street and a private, landscaped courtyard.
“Our aging in the community model makes it possible for older adults to live full lives of connection and purpose, and we couldn’t be happier to bring that to Brookline. Coolidge Corner has been called the best neighborhood for older adults, and we’re thrilled to build here with our partners at Congregation Kehillath Israel, and to offer programs to the wider community in partnership with the Brookline Senior Center. The town has been an amazing partner in supporting our focus on affordability, and thus all 62 units will offer the chance to age affordably and live well,” Amy Schectman, president and CEO of 2Life Communities, said in a statement.
