As New Senior Housing Opens, More Than Half of the Units Committed

There’s a small sign at the front desk of The Residence at Bedford, simple, almost understated: “Welcome Home.”

Like everything at The Residence, the sign projects something brand new. After 18 months of construction, the 92-unit senior apartment complex opened this week at 240 South Road. 

One afternoon last week, longtime local resident Peter Campoli took a seat near the main entrance, a one-man welcome wagon after two days in his new apartment.

Campoli’s wife Leonora, a passionate volunteer in Bedford schools, died almost four years ago. 

“Coming home to a big empty house was not a satisfying mode of existence,” he said.

Last fall he spotted some advertising for The Residence and “it sounded like my desired lifestyle,” he said, and the staff “has been very welcoming, very heartwarming toward people.”

Less than five days after opening, business development director Jane Kiegel said last week that The Residence had secured 52 commitments. That’s a much better rate than usual, said Ted Doyle, vice president of marketing and communication for LCB Senior Living, the owner of The Residence. He noted it usually takes 12 to 15 months to “stabilize.”

The 4.3-acre campus on the edge of Bedford Gardens for decades was grandfathered for commercial use, most recently by Iovino Excavating. For decades before, the Meade Foundry worked with metals in many ways, including blacksmithing. 

The site has been transformed. Everything is in a single 90,967-square-foot building with three levels of living space – 66 independent living and assisted living apartments and 26 units for residents who require memory care. That section is called “Reflections.”

“There are seven available levels of care, which allows residents to age in place,” Kiegel said. “Monthly rates start at $6,525 and are very much dependent on level of care needed and apartment size.”

One- and two-bedroom furnished apartments range in size from 700 to near 1,200 square feet. Each apartment features a microwave, stovetop, and refrigerator.

The place is designed to maximize socialization. The main lobby is an open floor plan, bathed in natural light. To the right is a café with self-service coffee, a few tables and chairs. To the left is the library, with more furniture and bookshelves that were waiting to be filled. And straight ahead, through a balloon arch, is the front desk.

Adjacent is an area they call the living room with a working fireplace, floor-to-ceiling windows, and seating.

Residents can order at the 100-seat restaurant anytime between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Relaxing during a late lunch on Thursday were three long-time Bedford residents who were among the first arrivals, Cynthia and Peter Donahue and Charlie Freni.

Doyle noted that residents of LCB developments generally move from a three to five-mile radius – “or their kids live within a three-five-mile radius.”

Not far from the restaurant is a bistro with casual seating. “This is where the chefs go to have fun,” Doyle said, referring to menu options that include wine and beer. Alongside is a game room. 

Elsewhere in the complex is a media room featuring cinema seating and a huge screen; a salon, and physical therapy space. 

Outside there are walking paths and a direct connection to the Minuteman Bikeway, a little more than a half-mile north to Bedford Depot. Landscapers were recently hydroseeding some of the rear lawn area.

About 75 full- and part-time employees staff The Residence, and several positions are still available. “We are actively recruiting at every level,” said Doyle. Staffing is designed “to meet the core needs of our residents,” Kiegel added.

LCB Senior Living owns and operates 41 senior communities in seven states, including 19 locations in Massachusetts. Doyle said. “Our roots run deep in senior housing.”

Doyle had rave reviews for the way town departments handled permitting. “This was one of the most positive and collaborative processes we’ve been through,” he said. “It was always in the spirit of making something great happen.” 

The general contractor was C.E. Floyd, based a half-mile away from the Residence.