Waterstone at Wellesley hosts dinner fundraiser for One Fund Boston

Waterstone at Wellesley will host a pasta dinner on Friday, May 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. to raise money for those affected by the Boston Marathon bombings. Dinner and dessert will be $10, and all proceeds will go to the One Fund Boston, Inc., formed by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Tom Menino to help those most affected by the tragic events in Boston on April 15. Please join us as we support our community. For more information and to R.S.V.P., please call 781-235-1614 by May 1. Waterstone is located at 27 Washington Street.

Waterstone at Wellesley wins gold award for design from National Association of Home Builders

WELLESLEY, Mass.–January 23, 2013– The National Association of Home Builders today named Waterstone at Wellesley, a luxury senior living community in Wellesley, 2013 gold award winner for excellence in senior housing design at the trade association’s annual national conference in Las Vegas. Ted Tye, managing partner of National Development, was on hand to accept the award.

Waterstone, a joint venture of National Development of Newton and EPOCH Senior Living of Waltham, was designed by Elkus Manfredi Architects. The interior design was done by Wellesley Design Associates and landscape architecture by Stantec’s Boston office. The community includes 134 apartments, opened in May 2012, and has attracted seniors from throughout the region.

The NAHB, with more than 140,000 members, is a preeminent U.S. building association. This award, a showcase for innovation, emerging trends and quality housing for seniors, recognizes excellence in building, design, marketing and lifestyles of housing for seniors.  The gold award recognizes Waterstone as the best mixed-use senior housing community in the country.

Tye said the Waterstone team is honored to have received this prestigious recognition. He attributed the community’s win to, in part, the thoughtful process that led to Waterstone’s development.

“We took a historic site in a prime location in Wellesley that had been abandoned for nearly 20 years and turned it into a jewel of the community,” he said. “We incorporated the industrial mill history of this area into the building’s design to create something that blends well with the existing architecture in the community.”

For National Development, this is its third NAHB gold medal, following awards in 1998 for the Goddard House in Brookline and in 1996 for Heritage at Cleveland Circle in Boston.

The Waterstone at Wellesley campus includes both independent and assisted living rental apartments for seniors 62 and older, as well as retail and medical office space. It is built on the former site of a Grossman’s hardware store, which sat vacant for years before being demolished prior to Waterstone’s development.

The features that secured Waterstone’s gold medal include its innovative fitness program with personal trainers; unique design features featuring private porches for easy access to the outdoors; an easily accessible riverfront walking path with raised gardens; and an adaptable and easily accessible design and structure. Notable amenities include an open demonstration kitchen; a resident bar and lounge area with private wine lockers; a media and theater room; and a riverfront courtyard with a putting green and fire pit. The community also features an indoor pool.

Elkus Manfredi Architects and Wellesley Design Associates crafted an interior design focused on the American Craftsman aesthetic. The community, which has been compared to a boutique hotel, features handmade glazed tiles, custom millwork, multiple fireplaces, and period-appropriate stonework and furnishings.

“At Waterstone, the independent and assisted living communities are seamlessly integrated into the community as a whole,” Tye continued. “They are connected but also have their own unique and distinct entrances and identities.”

For more information about the award or Waterstone at Wellesley, call 781-235-1614.

About Waterstone at Wellesley (www.waterstoneatwellesley.com)

Located at 27 Washington St. and along the banks of the Charles River in Wellesley, Waterstone at Wellesley includes 134 apartments for seniors 62 and older. It features independent and assisted living rental apartments, a fitness center, pool, theater, five-star restaurant-style dining, designer kitchens, a riverfront walking trail, and more. This community is part of EPOCH Senior Living, a regional provider of senior living and health care options.

About National Development (www.natdev.com)

Newton-based National Development is one of the leading development firms in Massachusetts and has successfully developed 22 senior housing communities and more than 1,500 units.

About EPOCH Senior Living (www.epochsl.com)

Based in Waltham, EPOCH Senior Living is a regional provider of quality senior living options, including independent and assisted living, skilled nursing and rehabilitation, and memory care. EPOCH Senior Living is committed to providing residences that enable seniors to enjoy a comfortable and dignified lifestyle in gracious surroundings.

Beverly Carver named Waterstone’s Sales Director.

Kristine Tilton, executive director at the Waterstone at Wellesley campus, has named Beverly Carter sales director for the 134-apartment community that offers both independent and assisted living. Prior to joining the Waterstone team, Beverly worked as an engineer in the computer field. She was inspired to join the senior living field by her mother, and joined a local town’s council on aging. Soon after, she became the sales director at a senior living community. She joined the Waterstone team this fall, stating she is excited about the opportunity to work in a new community that is the first of its kind in the area. Beverly studied business administrator at Northeastern University. She lives in Hopedale with her husband. If you have questions about the Waterstone at Wellesley apartments, available for seniors 62 or older, give Beverly a call at 781-235-1614.

Welcoming Chef Ming Tsai to Waterstone

As mentioned in a previous post, we’re excited to welcome Chef Ming Tsai of Blue Ginger, a well-respected Wellesley restaurant, to our community on Monday, Dec. 10 for a book signing. Ming will be signing copies of his new book, “Simply Ming in Your Kitchen.”

Ming is a well-known culinary figure both in Boston and beyond, so it’s a special honor to welcome him to our community for this event. He opened Blue Ginger in 1998, having studied both mechanical engineering at Yale and the culinary arts at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. He has also trained with Paris pastry chef Pierre Herme and in Osaka with Sushi Master Kobayashi. He also holds a master’s degree in hotel administration and hospitality marketing from Cornell University. Talk about an impressive resume!

Blue Ginger was a hit right out the gate, receiving “Best New Restaurant” distinction from Boston Magazine in its first year. That same year, Ming was named “Chef of the Year” by Esquire. Most recently, Blue Ginger was ranked by Boston Magazine is one of the magazine’s 50 best restaurants. Needless to say, if you have experienced Ming’s East-West cuisine at Blue Ginger, book a reservation ASAP! And, in 2013, you’ll have a new opportunity to experience Ming’s culinary expertise, at his soon-to-be-opened gastropub, Blue Dragon, in Boston.

Ming will visit us at 2 p.m. on Monday. Please contact Lisa Beckwith at 781.235.1614 or LBeckwith@WaterstoneAtWellesley.com to reserve your seat today!

Waterstone at Wellesley named winner in 2012 Multi-Housing News Excellence Awards

Waterstone at Wellesley has been named the silver winner in the “Best New Development: Senior Housing” category for the 2012 Multi-Housing News Excellence Awards. The annual, national MHN Excellence Awards acknowledge the most outstanding people, companies and properties in the multifamily industry. Winning this prestigious award is truly an honor and means you’re at the top of your field.

The 2012 winners were selected by a panel of judges with expertise across all multifamily disciplines. The judges took a number of factors into consideration, including financial performance, customer service, resident satisfaction and design excellence. Waterstone shone in all of these categories and was specifically acknowledged for creating a homelike, comfortable and non-institutional community for seniors while also meeting safety requirements.

Waterstone was announced winner in its category at the MHN’s special awards party in New York. Additionally, the community was published in the October issue of MHN’s magazine, and received a personalized award to display in its community.

Elkus Manfredi Architects designed the Waterstone campus, and Wellesley Design Associates designed the housing interior. The community includes both independent and assisted living rental apartments for seniors 62 and older, as well as retail and medical space. It is built on the former site of a Grossman’s hardware store, which sat vacant for years before being demolished prior to Waterstone’s development.

Join us for our summer lecture series, “Defining America”

Professor Gary Hylander, Ph.D., teaches American History at Stonehill University and has been a regular speaker at several EPOCH communities for quite a while. His style is informative while fun and intriguing at the same time, which is why he’s such a hit with audiences of all types, from his students to the senior groups he often speaks to. In fact, he was named one of the top 25 history professors in the United States recently, an honor well deserved given how engaging his discussions are. That’s why we’re so happy to have him joining us at Waterstone for a summer lecture series called “Defining America.” Prof. Hylander will walk us through the pivotal moments that shaped our country’s history (and future), from the signing of the Declaration of Independence to the Constitution, to the ratification of the Bill of Rights. It’s a whirlwind tour through history and is sure to be interesting, thanks to Prof. Hylander’s dynamic style. We hope you’ll be able to join us for one, two, or all of Prof. Hylander’s talks. Details on dates and times are below – looking forward to seeing you!

The series begins Tuesday, June 26 with “The Declaration of Independence.” It continues Tuesday, July 31 with “The Constitution,” and concludes Tuesday, August 14 with “The Bill of Rights.” All lectures will be held at 2 p.m. at Waterstone at Wellesley, 27 Washington St.

Waterstone at Wellesley grand opening draws 275

Two hundred and seventy-five residents, prospective residents, guests, dignitaries and staff attended a ribbon-cutting open house event May 23 at Waterstone at Wellesley, a beautiful new senior living community located at 27 Washington St.  Speakers included Barbara Seale, chair, Wellesley Board of Selectman; Larry Gerber, CEO, EPOCH Senior Living; Ted Tye, managing partner, National Development; Kristine Tilton, executive director of the community; and Mark Clemonts, who, along with his wife, was one of the first of the community’s residents.  State Representative Alice Piesch was scheduled to speak but canceled last minute due to legislative duties; instead, she forwarded a commendation welcoming Wellesley’s new retirement community to town.

“It takes a village,” Gerber said, speaking of the enormous efforts of all involved to complete the project on time. He also said EPOCH had assembled an “all-star” team to operate Waterstone at Wellesley, which he called EPOCH’s crown jewel senior living community. “I believe that we assembled one of the best teams in New England, if not beyond, to create a world-class community.”

Waterstone at Wellesley is a joint venture by Waltham-based EPOCH Senior Living and Newton-based National Development. A Grossman’s Hardware store that stood empty for nearly 20 years was razed in June 2010 to make space for the project. The community employs 50 staff led by Tilton.

The 207,742-square-foot Waterstone at Wellesley includes 134 apartments for seniors 62 and older. It features independent and assisted living rental apartments, a fitness center, pool, theater, restaurant-style dining, designer kitchens, putting green, a riverfront walking trail and underground parking garage. All-inclusive monthly rental fees range start at $5,500, depending on style and campus location. The community is situated along the Charles River and behind a CVS pharmacy and a Newton-Wellesley Hospital ambulatory surgical center, which are located along Washington Street.

“We’ve done many senior living developments over the years that have won awards for their design,” said Tye, who handles National Developments’ senior living segment. “I believe this is our best.”

Elkus Manfredi Architects was project architect, Wellesley Design Consultants provided interior design services, and Cranshaw Construction was general contractor.

Tours are being provided of the new community daily. To schedule a tour, call 781-235-1614.

Waterstone at Wellesley grand opening event May 23

Waterstone at Wellesley is excited to be hosting a grand opening celebration on May 23 at 6 p.m.  At 6:30 p.m., a ribbon-cutting ceremony will feature Alice Peisch, state representative; Barbara Seale, chair, Wellesley Board of Selectman; Larry Gerber, CEO, EPOCH Senior Living; and Ted Tye, managing partner, National Development.

This project, which has been in development for two years, is a joint venture by Waltham-based EPOCH Senior Living and Newton-based National Development. A Grossman’s Hardware store that stood empty for nearly 20 years was razed in June 2010 to make space for the project. The community employs 50 staff led by Executive Director Kristine Tilton.

Elkus Manfredi Architects is project architect, Wellesley Design Consultants provided interior design services, and Cranshaw Construction was general contractor.

Meet Waterstone at Wellesley concierge Frank Mazzola

Frank Mazzola joined the Waterstone team about a month ago as the concierge, mainly for the independent living side of the community. He’s truly a jack of all trades, and helps with everything from making reservations and purchasing event tickets for residents to taking residents to appointments, helping management, and really filling in wherever he is needed.

It’s an ideal role for Frank, as he’s one of the more outgoing and personable guys you’ll meet. “I make sure all the people living here are happy,” he said. “If they have questions, I find the answer. I’ve been the mailman and delivery boy. The position can be pretty much anything.”

Frank said he was excited to join the Waterstone team because it allows him to interact on a personal level with seniors, who he said he particularly enjoys spending time with. “It’s like I have a whole new group of grandparents,” he said.

Prior to joining the team here, Frank worked at the Wellesley College Club as well as a baker in a bakery, decorating cakes. He holds an associates in baking and pastry arts and a bachelors in food service entrepreneurship.

He grew up in Newton but now lives in Natick. He said he particularly likes spending time with his two goddaughters and niece. Next time you stop by Waterstone, say hello to Frank – you’re sure to see him around!

Lt. Governor Murray, Reps. Kahn and Peisch, and others dedicate re-opened foot bridge by Waterstone at Wellesley

Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray led a ribbon-cutting ceremony today for the refurbished Wellesley-Newton DCR bridge, linking Washington Street in Wellesley with Concord Street in Newton. Lt. Gov. Murray was joined by Wellesley Executive Director Hans Larsen, several Wellesley alderman, Newton Mayor Setti Warren, State Representatives Kay Kahn and Alice Peisch, and about 80 people who attended the ceremony at nearby Waterstone at Wellesley, a beautiful senior living community which opened last month.

The old rail trestle bridge crossing the Charles River in Lower Falls became unusable and dangerous to the community after the train stopped running 35 years ago. The Wellesley Trails Committee was instrumental in bringing the bridge’s deteriorating condition to light and leading the effort to refurbish and open the bridge for pedestrian traffic. After many public hearings, the design for the project was finally approved by the Newton Conservation Commission in May 2010.

Waterstone at Wellesley is adjacent to the bridge entrance on the Wellesley side of the Charles River. The bridge extends from the Wellesley Trails system and the river way walk built behind Waterstone at Wellesley. Executive Director Kristine Tilton said the new bridge is a great amenity for residents, many of whom are active and enjoy walking.  Many Waterstone apartments enjoy spectacular views of the bridge.

National Development, developers of Waterstone at Wellesley, was also key in refurbishment planning as part of Waterstone at Wellesley.