Pennrose has officially opened Forge, a new mixed-income rental community designed for individuals and families in Lenox, MA. The grand opening marks the delivery of 65 apartment units situated across 13 townhome-style buildings, creating a small-scale neighborhood environment rather than a single multifamily block. The community is positioned as a response to limited affordable housing choices in the area and is intended to broaden the range of quality rental options available to local residents.
The Forge development includes a modern clubhouse and shared amenity spaces that serve as a central hub for residents. These features are intended to support a sense of connection among households and to provide common areas for daily interaction, community events, and informal gatherings. By combining townhome-style residences with shared facilities, the property aims to balance privacy within individual units and community engagement in the amenity areas.
Karmen Cheung, regional vice president at Pennrose, emphasized the role of the project in addressing housing needs in Lenox. Cheung noted that the community is expected to offer a high-quality, connected living experience for working individuals and families, particularly in light of the area’s limited supply of affordable housing options. She also highlighted Pennrose’s collaboration with the Town of Lenox to support its housing production plan and to create diverse housing opportunities that are intended to function as a long-term community asset.
The ribbon-cutting event drew a broad group of public, nonprofit, financial, and resident stakeholders. Local representation included Marybeth Mitts, Chair of the Lenox Select Board, and Don Weber, Chair of the Lenox Affordable Housing Trust, underscoring the town’s direct involvement and interest in the project. Their participation highlighted the local policy focus on expanding housing access and implementing the community’s housing objectives.
State-level voices were also present at the ceremony. State Senator Paul Mark and State Representative Leigh Davi spoke at the event, reflecting legislative attention on housing initiatives within the region. In addition, Mark Antonio Wiliams, Regional Director for the Office of U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, attended, signaling engagement from the federal delegation’s regional office in efforts to expand mixed-income and affordable housing.
Affordable housing advocates and finance partners joined the program as well. Rachel Heller, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Housing Partnership, participated in the event, indicating the involvement of a statewide housing organization focused on affordability. Robert Fraser, President and CEO of MountainOne Bank, took part as a speaker, highlighting the role of private financial institutions in supporting housing projects of this type, even though specific financing terms were not disclosed in connection with the development.
The program also included perspectives from service and resident stakeholders. Thomas Plihcik, Executive Director of New Lease For Homeless Families, spoke at the opening, reflecting the project’s relevance to organizations working to address housing instability and homelessness. Forge resident Susan Faas shared remarks, providing on-the-ground perspective from someone living within the community. Pennrose senior developer Rebecca Schofield also participated, representing the firm’s development team and underscoring Pennrose’s hands-on role in bringing the project from concept to completion.
With the completion and opening of Forge, Lenox gains a new mixed-income multifamily option that blends townhome-style buildings, shared amenities, and a cross-section of public, nonprofit, financial, and resident stakeholders. While detailed financial and leasing metrics were not disclosed, the project’s launch demonstrates an active collaboration between Pennrose and local and regional partners to expand rental housing opportunities in the town.
