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True North at North Hill

Needham, MA

North Hill is an award-winning lifecare community in the greater Boston area. Originally built in the 1980s, this senior living community was created to accommodate residents’ changing health care needs over time. Responding to the increasing demand for high-quality senior living, Project True North was developed to meet the evolving needs of both residents and the broader community. The project expanded the 69-acre campus with new senior residences—including independent living, memory care, and modern skilled nursing units—as well as enhanced community spaces, services, and amenities.

VHB’s integrated services team supported North Hill from early due diligence through rezoning, permitting, and construction of this multi-phase project. Our team conducted land surveys, master planning, permitting, soil management, Transportation Impact Assessments, and created construction phasing plans that limited disruptions for current residents and staff. By working closely with the Town of Needham and local stakeholders, we helped secure zoning changes and approvals that kept the project on schedule. The result is a more connected, accessible, and livable campus that enhances resident well-being, strengthens community ties, and positions North Hill for long-term success. Since the completion of the True North Project, VHB has continued to assist North Hill with various capital improvements.

Sunny courtyard with patio tables, lawn, flowers, in the foreground of senior living buildings with a cloudy sky. Modern building entrance with glass canopy, brick and glass facade, trees, under a cloudy sky. Modern four-story senior living buildings with balconies overlooking a parking lot filled with cars under a cloudy sky.

Client

  • North Hill Communities, Inc.

Services

  • Construction Support Services

  • Drainage Design

  • Environmental Permitting

  • Land Survey

  • Landscape Architecture

  • Parking Studies, Design & Engineering

  • Pre-Construction Soil Characterization & Management Plans

  • Site/Civil Engineering

  • Traffic Impact Analysis

  • Zoning Analysis

Awards

  • 2013, Senior Housing News: Architecture and Design Awards, Best Renovation/Repositioning

  • 2013, National Association of Home Builders, Best 50+ Repositioned Community, on the boards

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