Chelsea Jewish Nursing Home Completes Renovations

By John Laidler, Globe Correspondent, June 14, 2017

The Chelsea Jewish Nursing Home will celebrate completion of a $16 million renovation of its nearly century-old facility, on Wednesday, June 21.

The upgrade of the five-story building on Lafayette Avenue followed the “Green House” skilled nursing model, which emphasizes a homey environment free of the institutional features of a traditional nursing home.

The remodeled building features two kitchens on every floor for smaller gatherings at meals; a cafe, spa, chapel, courtyard, rehabilitation gym, and lobby with an abundance of glass and natural light.

Officials at Chelsea Jewish Lifecare, which owns the nursing home, said the project is an reaffirmation of the original goal of its flagship residence when it was established by Lena Goldberg in 1919 as a welcoming home for neighboring elders.

Wednesday’s event includes a reception at 4 p.m. and the ceremony at 5 p.m., followed by tours.

John Laidler can be reached at john.laidler@globe.com.