In 2019, the Boston Housing Authority selected 2Life Communities to redevelop and modernize 64 public housing units at the John J. Carroll Apartments community. A primary goal was to expand affordable housing on the site, particularly for seniors at risk of displacement from properties in Boston with expiring affordability restrictions.

2Life worked closely with J.J. Carroll residents and other stakeholders on a plan to replace multiple outdated buildings with a single modern building that is energy-efficient, accessible, and comfortable. Construction began in 2021, with 2Life helping to relocate residents. Over 20 of the original J.J. Carroll residents have returned to the building.

Construction is now complete on the 142-apartment building, now called J.J. Carroll House. Each apartment has universal design and adaptability features that aim to keep residents living independently as their physical needs change. A lively ground-floor “Village Center” features common spaces such as a multipurpose room, a resale shop, and a salon. In addition, a bridge enables year-round access to the rest of 2Life’s Brighton Campus, which includes a library, fitness center, computer center, art room, state-of-the-art auditorium, and a wide variety of programs and services.

J.J. Carroll House also contains a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) center, operated by Element Care. This comprehensive health and wellness program called the Element Care PACE Center at 2Life Brighton,  allows extremely low-income seniors with advanced healthcare needs to receive care close to home, which for many residents means they would not need to relocate to a nursing home.

J.J. Carroll House is 2Life’s first Passive House designed building. Core Passive House requirements include an airtight building envelope, with high-quality windows and doors to manage solar energy and minimize air leakage, and high-performing ventilation systems to provide improved indoor air quality and comfort. When certified, J.J. Carroll House will be the largest multifamily Passive House building in Massachusetts and in the top 10 for all Passive House buildings in the United States and Canada.

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