The Commons in Lincoln Moves Forward with Sustainable Campus Expansion

On Tuesday, the Lincoln Planning Board approved final plans for The Commons’ campus expansion, marking a significant milestone in sustainable development. The project, two years in the making, helps satisfy a need for more senior housing options with 28 new Independent Living apartment homes and cottages. The campus expansion project was carefully designed with input from local officials and residents to both complement and respect our community’s natural surroundings. Three of the new apartments will be designated as affordable and added to Lincoln’s subsidized housing inventory, helping to address the need for more affordable housing in town.

The Commons’ Expansion Includes New Homes and Renovations for a Sustainable Future

The expansion project includes two three-story additions to our main building, Russell House, which will add nine new two-bedroom apartments with two bathrooms and a den. Flint House will also gain eleven new one- and two-bedroom apartments. Both buildings’ common areas will undergo major renovations and improvements, incorporating natural elements and textures inspired by our community’s beautiful setting. Additionally, eight new cottage-style homes will be built around the campus, thoughtfully designed to blend harmoniously with the landscape.

Embracing a forward-thinking approach to sustainability, all new homes will be designed with high performance materials, certified by the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) and heated by electricity. The project aligns with Lincoln’s newly adopted building code, promoting the highest energy efficiency standards to help the state achieve a net-zero economy by 2050.

Building for a Net-Zero Future with High-Performance Materials

Additional sustainability efforts include:
• A long-term planting plan to complement the campus’ natural ecosystem and surrounding conservation land.
• New walking paths and traffic flow designs to minimize impact on public roads.
• LED lighting and Dark Sky compliant exterior light fixtures.
• Expanded parking with electric vehicle charging stations.
• Solar-ready roofs.

Enhancing the Campus with Green Initiatives and Eco-Friendly Features

“We are grateful for the collaborative efforts of the Lincoln Planning Board, Conservation Commission and other town officials who helped guide this project to approval,” said Reynaldo LeBlanc, our Executive Director. “This success is also a result of the contributions from our highly accomplished residents who formed dedicated committees to work closely with us and the town. Their expertise, passion and commitment to excellence have been invaluable in shaping the expansion to meet the needs of our current and future residents.”

The Commons’ Commitment to a Continuum of Care: Serving Current and Future Residents

This expansion allows us to offer more options to those on our waitlist, welcome new residents and build on our commitment to ensure access to the full continuum of care— Independent Living, Assisted Living, Mind & Memory Care and Skilled Nursing—as residents’ needs evolve.