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New England Deaconess seeks to replace three Chamberlain apartment blocks; commission waives preservation delay with documentation request
Summary
New England Deaconess Association asked the commission not to impose a one‑year demolition delay for three mid‑century Chamberlain apartment blocks at 45, 51 and 59 Deaconess Road; after presentations on accessibility constraints and campus needs the commission found the buildings not preferably preserved and requested documentation prior to demolition.
Chris Centros, CEO of New England Deaconess Association, and Erin Doherty of Epsilon presented a redevelopment plan for three Chamberlain apartment blocks on Deaconess Road and asked the commission not to impose the one‑year demolition delay.
Centros said the organization is a continuing‑care nonprofit with a wait list "of 795 people," and that the existing buildings are "utterly inappropriate for older adults" because they lack accessibility and modern standards of care. Epsilon's Erin Doherty reviewed the buildings' mid‑20th‑century construction, limited public visibility from the road, and interior constraints (steep narrow stairs and tight unit layouts) that make conversion to accessible senior housing impractical.
Commissioners expressed sympathy for the residents' needs and the campus's institutional mission, but asked for and received a commitment to produce documentary material. The commission moved to deem 45, 51 and 59 Deaconess Road "not preferably preserved" while requesting photographic and archival documentation for the commission's file; the motion passed by roll call. Deaconess representatives thanked the commission and said they will provide the requested documentation prior to demolition.
