After 11 years of groundwork, the affordable senior housing project moves toward construction with an eye toward opening in late 2027
Through the Franklin Municipal Affordable Housing Trust, the Town of Franklin is proud to announce that the Franklin Ridge Senior Housing project has secured all necessary funding and construction-related approvals to commence the construction of this three-story, 60-unit affordable senior housing complex in November. 
Franklin Ridge Begins Construction
Over the past eleven years, the Town of Franklin and Franklin Municipal Affordable Housing Trust have worked closely with JNJUHL & Associates, a local, affordable housing developer, to provide much needed affordable housing for Franklin’s senior community 62 years of age or older. Located adjacent to the Eaton Place senior housing complex, the Franklin Ridge housing development will consist of (54) One-Bedroom Units and (6) Two-Bedroom Units, in addition to community space that includes a community room with a kitchenette, library, a multi-purpose room and offices for management and social service staff.
"With the senior population in Franklin growing exponentially, the Town continues to be committed to providing high quality affordable senior housing which keeps our Franklin seniors within the community for the long-term” stated Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. “Seniors are an essential and valued component of this community, providing not only an important link to our past, but a viable element that continues to make a significant contribution through volunteering as well as supporting town activities and organizations. This project will allow income eligible seniors to right-size their living situation and stay in the community they love”.
With 70% local preference, which is the maximum percentage allowed under state regulation, the Town is focused on getting as many local eligible seniors as possible into the Franklin Ridge Senior Housing project upon its completion in 2027.
Jon Juhl, President of JNJUHL & Associates, continues “this project was truly a community effort: the Franklin Municipal Affordable Housing Trust is providing the land, as well as a significant financial contribution of $500,000 toward the project. The Town is also using over $320,000 in Community Preservation Act funding to leverage millions of dollars in federal and state funding from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. "
"This affordable housing project could not have been accomplished without the hard work and support of many Town Departments and Committees including the Town Administrator’s Office, Department of Planning & Community Development, Building Department, Conservation Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals; all with one goal in mind: to meet the supportive housing needs of seniors while building a green and sustainable project. Franklin Ridge will be just that: housing which has adaptive, accessible apartments, is 100% electric, and has solar back-up. It is a project that will benefit Franklin seniors –and our community—for many years to come.”
Franklin Ridge Senior Housing Project has been designed for seniors, age 62 and older, who meet income eligibility requirements. Construction will start this winter and occupancy is expected by mid-late 2027. Rental applications will be managed by The Community Builders, a Boston-based non-profit housing development and management company, starting in early 2027. Outreach sessions to the senior center and broader community will begin in 2026.
