Benchmark Senior Living's Evans Park at Newton Corner to undergo $13 million renovation

Newton, MA Evans Park at Newton Corner, a Benchmark Senior Living assisted living and mind & memory care community, to complete a $13 million renovation project to modernize the 30-year-old community. The project will create more spaces for residents to connect with one another, focus on their overall health and relaxation, as well as provide more modern apartments.

The project is also honoring the building’s rich history, which dates to 1905, by adding external lighting to highlight unique architectural features. Built by famed developer, Warren Evans, “The Evans,” as it was first known, was considered to be the most beautiful apartment complex in the city. Every convenience and luxury were offered, including fine dining by an acclaimed chef.

“By transforming our resident dining experience, modernizing apartments and introducing more communal spaces, we want to honor the great history of this community, which has been a fixture in many of our residents’ lives. The renovation will uniquely blend historic charm with modern design,” said Susan Cohen Cwieka, regional director of operations for Benchmark. “Residents and their families will enjoy new spaces in which they can stay connected to who and what matters most.”

Some of the many extended living spaces that residents and their loved ones will be able to enjoy include:

• Restaurant-style formal dining prepared in an open kitchen and a new casual bistro.

• New solarium designed to bring the vibrant outdoors in.

• Modern hair salon providing nail services and massage therapy.

• Wellness suite offering the convenience of on-site medical visits.

• Fitness center featuring specialized equipment and exercise classes.

• Recreation room for events, including parties, art therapy and concerts.

Independent assisted living apartments will include amenities like upgraded kitchenettes with new appliances, newly appointed bathrooms, granite countertops, new flooring and lighting. The communities fourth floor memory care assisted-living apartments will be enlarged and bathrooms that can accommodate wheelchairs with other safety features added.

All spaces will feature interior design by Boston-based Stefura Associates, creators of award-winning transitional design for places like the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Massachusetts State House. At Evans Park, clean, earth tones, including vibrant greens, rich browns and warm grays, will adorn all shared spaces and corridors.

“Evans Park at Newton Corner was one of the first communities I developed almost 30 years ago,” said Tom Grape, founder, chairman and CEO of Benchmark. “It was the first in Massachusetts created for assisted living, and it’s been a beloved part of Newton Corner ever since. We are excited to honor such an important landmark by investing further in beautiful new living spaces and expanding amenities for our residents and their families to enjoy for years to come.”

Over the past couple of years, Benchmark has invested heavily in the area. In 2020, Benchmark transformed another historical landmark, the former Andover Newton Theological School, which dates to the 1700s, to open Adelaide of Newton Centre. Last year, Benchmark also completed an $11 million renovation of The Falls at Cordingly Dam in Newton Lower Falls.

Evans Park at Newton Corner was designed by Lexington, Mass.-based Bechtel Frank Erickson. The general contractor is South Coast Improvement in Marion, Mass.

The complete renovation is expected to debut in early 2024.