The grounds of the former Union Hospital in Lynn are undergoing a massive transformation, evolving from a shuttered medical facility into a sanctuary for the city’s aging population. A new eighty five million dollar project known as Solimine House is set to provide one hundred and fifty affordable apartments specifically designed for seniors with low incomes. Scheduled for completion in late 2027, the development arrives at a critical moment for the city, where a staggering number of residents struggle to keep up with rising rent costs and thousands remain on waiting lists for elderly and disabled public housing.
Mayor Jared Nicholson described the initiative as a significant victory in the fight against a localized housing crisis, noting that many longtime residents simply cannot afford to stay in their own community. To ensure accessibility, most units will be reserved for those earning sixty percent or less of the area median income, with some slots dedicated to even lower earners. Funding for the ambitious build has been cobbled together through a mix of federal and state tax credits, government loans, and generous private contributions.
The catalyst for the change was local businessman and philanthropist David Solimine Jr., who purchased the property after its closure in 2020. Seeking to give back to his hometown, Solimine donated five acres of land to 2Life Communities, a nonprofit developer specializing in integrated senior living. Beyond the primary apartment building, Solimine also developed twenty six condos for active adults over fifty five on what used to be hospital overflow parking lots.
What sets Solimine House apart is its holistic approach to aging. Residents will have direct access via a covered walkway to the Magnolia Contreras Day Center and Health Clinic, named after Solimine’s wife. Through a partnership with Element Care PACE, the facility will offer everything from counseling and physical therapy to home visits by nurses within the apartments themselves. Lizbeth Heyer of 2Life Communities believes this combination of stable housing and proactive medical care doesn’t just extend life expectancy but improves overall quality of life by delaying chronic illness and fostering dignity through community connection.
