Rogerson Communities Advances 107-Unit Senior Housing and Memory Care Redevelopment in Jamaica Plain

• Rogerson Communities is advancing a six-story redevelopment in Boston’s Jamaica Plain featuring 66 memory care units and 41 affordable senior apartments.
• The project will include more than 20,000 square feet of outdoor space, four garden areas, a Fitness FIRST center, and a memory care social day program.
• The redevelopment has received $3 million from the City of Boston and more than $2 million in philanthropic contributions.

What Rogerson Communities Plans to Build

The proposed development will replace the existing Rogerson House facility with 66 memory care units and 41 affordable independent living apartments. It will also include space for Rogerson’s memory care social day program and a Fitness FIRST center. The design features a distinctive scalloped red-brick façade, landscaped courtyard, exercise studio, and library. More than 20,000 square feet of outdoor space is planned across four garden areas, with portions intended to be accessible to the public. The updated plans are designed by DiMella Shaffer, with the new building positioned on Beaufort Road between the Jamaicaway and Centre Street. The redevelopment is intended to provide modern facilities while strengthening the site’s connection to the surrounding Jamaica Plain neighborhood.

 

 

What the Project Adds to Boston’s Senior Housing Market

The project brings together two important needs: affordable independent housing and specialized memory care. The 41 apartments will be income-restricted, while the 66 memory care units will replace existing services at Rogerson House. Rogerson House originally opened in 1997 as the Boston Alzheimer’s Center and was the first assisted living community in Greater Boston dedicated exclusively to people with Alzheimer’s disease. The redevelopment is designed to modernize the organization’s flagship facility and expand the privacy and quality of its accommodations.

Rogerson President and CEO Walter Ramos described the redevelopment as “an intentionally reimagined campus for the older adults of today and tomorrow.” He added that combining “compassionate memory care with sorely needed affordable housing” reflects the organization’s mission.

What the Funding and Approvals Mean

The project has secured approval from the Boston Planning and Development Agency and unanimous approval from Boston’s Zoning Board of Appeals. The Mayor’s Office of Housing has awarded $3 million toward the redevelopment, while Rogerson Communities has raised more than $2 million through philanthropic contributions. The city’s support reflects the importance of adding income-restricted housing for older residents. Boston has continued backing senior housing developments that combine affordability with services and amenities that support independent living. For nonprofit developers, layered funding and community partnerships are essential to advancing projects that deliver both housing and specialized care.

What the Redevelopment Signals for Jamaica Plain

Rogerson House’s redevelopment reflects a growing need for age-appropriate housing and memory care options in Greater Boston. The project’s expanded outdoor spaces, community gardens, and recreational amenities also aim to create a more connected campus for residents and neighbors. With approvals and funding in place, Rogerson Communities is advancing plans to replace an aging facility with a modern senior housing and care development. The project represents a significant investment in Jamaica Plain’s older population and the services needed to support them.