The Marvin is a distinctive and welcoming housing community dedicated to supporting older adults as they age with dignity and engagement. Designed with the belief that everyone deserves a supportive environment in their later years, The Marvin offers a unique blend of independent living and communal vibrancy. This program features forty-nine low-income private apartments, thoughtfully designed to provide residents with the opportunity to maintain independence while receiving a little extra assistance when needed. Private living spaces are complemented by a range of inviting shared amenities, creating a multifaceted environment geared toward both comfort and connection.
At the center of The Marvin’s ethos is a commitment to fostering intergenerational relationships and cultivating a sense of belonging. Residents can explore an array of communal spaces, such as a dining room where neighbors gather for shared meals, resident lounges that provide cozy settings for relaxation or conversation, and a spacious library for quiet reading or study. Additionally, there are art and activity rooms that invite creativity and lifelong learning, several dedicated community rooms for events and group activities, and an outdoor garden area where residents can enjoy fresh air and nature. These thoughtfully curated spaces are designed to encourage social interaction, support emotional well-being, and keep residents active, engaged, and connected.
Understanding that each individual has unique needs, The Marvin provides the support of a dedicated Resident Services Coordinator. This role is integral to the community, as it helps residents navigate the various facets of daily life, from identifying financial resources to accessing the care and services they might require. The Resident Services Coordinator offers guidance in obtaining referrals to local community resources and partners, ensuring that residents have access to a helpful network beyond the immediate community.
Life at The Marvin is enlivened by a dynamic schedule of daily activities and programs tailored to enrich the lives of its residents. There are regular exercise classes to promote physical health, as well as entertainment and cultural programming that celebrate the arts and diversity. One of the unique aspects of The Marvin is its focus on intergenerational engagement, with special events that bring together the residents, children from the on-site Marvin’s Children’s Center, and teens from the surrounding community. These interactions foster meaningful connections between generations, reducing feelings of isolation and creating a lively tapestry of shared experiences.
Affordability is a cornerstone of The Marvin, made possible through a combination of government and private funding. This innovative approach allows the community to offer rent and service fees calibrated according to each resident’s income. In practice, residents at The Marvin pay up to thirty percent less than the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in the area, and some pay little or nothing thanks to limited income or significant medical expenses. Eligibility is based on both age and income, with the aim of opening the doors to those 62 or older whose income does not exceed sixty percent of the local median. By making high-quality, supportive housing accessible, The Marvin helps prevent unnecessary and premature institutionalization, offering an alternative that is not only affordable but also richly supportive and socially stimulating.
At its heart, The Marvin represents a commitment to nurturing community, promoting well-being, and enhancing the quality of life for older adults. By bringing people together under one roof—whether through shared meals, creative pursuits, or intergenerational exchanges—the community offers residents an opportunity to thrive in a setting built on connection, understanding, and support.