Designed for active adults 62 and older, Avenu at Natick in Natick, Mass., is providing an alternative to traditional housing options for the Boston area’s aging baby boomer population, many of whom are leaving behind homeownership.
The 164-unit community, developed by National Development, is influenced by design from hospitality, fitness, culinary, senior housing, and multifamily market segments to create the ideal living environment for seniors wanting to remain in their community without the burden of owning a home.
The living spaces are ample, and the common areas evoke the style of high-end hotels. Marketing for the development has centered around flexible move-in dates to accommodate a home sale, support on downsizing, and the opportunity for prospective residents to experience the community first-hand by taking part in social activities and staying overnight in a fully furnished guest suite.
Designed by Elkus Manfredi Architects, the building’s three wings form an open “U” shape, which creates a central outdoor courtyard. Each wing has a distinctive material palette and a variety of balconies, oversized windows, and projecting bays that create an interplay of light and shadow across all the façades.
One- and two-bedroom units range in size from 759 to 1,297 square feet and have open floor plans with light modern finishes for a comfortable yet sophisticated aesthetic. Kitchens feature stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops, while bathrooms boast upscale herringbone tile floors and elegant glass shower doors. All units include either a balcony or a dedicated patio.
The 12,000-square-foot first floor is centered around a two-story great room, a signature fireplace, and a welcoming bar area to encourage resident gathering and mingling. Amenities include a gourmet chef’s kitchen and upscale private dining room, a state-of-the-art theater, and a hair and nail salon.
Outdoors, the 16,000-square-foot landscaped courtyard features a resort-style swimming pool with cabanas, a putting green, an enclosed portico with a television for all-weather entertaining, and lounge areas with fire pits and grilling stations. The 9-acre site also includes a walking path around the perimeter as well as raised garden plots for residents.
The senior community also strives to keep residents active and engaged through a variety of programming and daily social activities, including complimentary continental breakfast, lectures, yoga classes, book clubs, and happy hours with live music and snacks in the lobby bar.
Avenu at Natick includes the adjacent 136-key Residence Inn at Marriott, which provides additional amenities for residents, visiting family members, and guests. Plus, the site is across the street from the area’s largest regional shopping center with restaurants, retail, and a grocery store.
