FOXBOROUGH MOVING FORWARD WITH FINAL PHASE OF STATE HOSPITAL REUSE PLAN
Foxborough, MA — S.2141, “An Act relative to amending certain use restrictions for the Foxborough State Hospital,” allows the Town of Foxborough to move forward with the final phase of the long-standing Foxborough State Hospital Reuse Plan and complete the adaptive reuse of the current dilapidated auditorium, a long-vacant building that holds architectural and cultural significance to the town and Commonwealth.
Land adjacent to the former auditorium will be repurposed into a senior assisted living facility. The auditorium itself, rather than being demolished, will be converted into ten market-rate condominium units to support the overall development of the site.
“This legislation supports a thoughtful and balanced reuse of the former Foxborough State Hospital campus. The historic auditorium will be preserved and converted into new condominium homes, while a new assisted living facility will be constructed on the vacant parcel to the rear,” said State Senator Paul Feeney (D-Foxborough). “Together, these projects will expand housing options for Foxborough residents throughout their life cycle and protect a property that holds deep historical significance for the community.”
Town Manager Paige Duncan added: “We are deeply grateful to Senator Feeney, former State Representative Jay Barrows, State Representative Michael Chaisson, and the Commonwealth for working closely with the Town of Foxborough to bring this long-awaited phase of the State Hospital Reuse Plan to completion. This effort has been truly collaborative, with strong cooperation from the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance throughout the process. The preservation of the historic auditorium and the addition of assisted living housing reflect priorities voiced by Foxborough residents for many years. This project not only protects a meaningful part of our history but also provides needed housing that allows residents to remain in the community they love.”
The Foxborough State Hospital Reuse Plan has served as the guiding vision for redevelopment of this former state-owned property, emphasizing a diverse and inclusive mix of housing options that support all phases of the life cycle, from apartments and small homes to condominiums and assisted living. The current lack of assisted living facilities in Foxborough often leads older adults in need of these services to seek housing outside of their hometown, a loss for families and community cohesion. This legislation will facilitate the construction of senior assisted living units and fulfill a vital component of the housing life cycle.
In order to complete the final phase of the plan, legislation was needed to remove a state-imposed recreational use restriction on a portion of land formerly part of the Foxborough State Hospital campus. The bill grants the Commissioner of the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) the authorization needed to repurpose the land.
The legislation was signed into law by Governor Maura Healey on November 25, 2025.
The Town of Foxborough anticipates issuing a request for proposals for the development of the assisted living facility and condominium project after the new year.