The Marist House Retreat Center was repositioned as The Branches of Framingham, a 52-unit senior living community in the greater Boston area offering assisted living and memory care within a broader neighborhood of luxury townhomes for adults 55 years and older. The community features open-concept designs and flexible floor plans, inviting common areas, and outdoor amenities that promote social connection and support residents changing needs.
VHB’s integrated services team prepared the master development plan for this parcel and designed the critical infrastructure to support the phased development. We guided the project through zoning and entitlements, leveraging strong relationships with local and state permitting agencies to streamline reviews and keep the project moving forward. The site layout and landscape architecture respect the site’s natural setting, with nine acres designated for assisted living and memory care and 20 acres for active adult housing. The community character was strengthened through the preservation of mature street trees and the addition of trails and gardens. VHB designed off-site transportation improvements to strengthen connectivity, coordinating with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation on pedestrian and traffic upgrades, including enhanced sidewalk crossings that improved access and safety. The result is a community that creates lasting value for Branches residents while addressing Framingham’s need for more affordable senior housing.
