2Life Communities has broken ground on Opus Newton, a 174-unit middle-income senior living development located on the Jewish Community Center Greater Boston campus in Newton, MA. The facility will feature a restaurant, café, art studio, classroom, and fitness spaces.

MassDevelopment has supported the project with $130 million in tax-exempt bond financing.

The community is 95% pre-sold, which according to non-profit organization 2Life Communities speaks to the “middle-market abyss” in which middle-income seniors can’t afford to live independently with market-rate options, but do not qualify for subsidized housing.

To maintain affordability, Opus leverages residents’ home equity and offers a range of apartments to accommodate different living styles and pricing needs. Rather than move residents to care, the model brings care to residents within their own apartments, supported by a team of care navigators, advocates and providers.

Opus Newton builds on 2Life Communities’ “aging in community” model, marrying affordable, independent living with a communal lifestyle. The model also incorporates resident-driven volunteerism alongside programming and amenities.