The Pryde
Our First Community
In 2019 following a competitive bid process, LGBTQ Senior Housing was awarded the former William Barton Rogers Middle School in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Boston along with our housing development partner Pennrose. Our design partner is the architecture firm DiMella Shaffer. We renovated the historic 100,000 square foot building through adaptive reuse, into 74 apartments of LGBTQ-friendly affordable senior housing, which is now home to residents aged 62 and over. Known as The Pryde, it includes a 10,000 square foot LGBTQ Community Center, offering diverse social, educational and cultural services and programming to residents, the larger LGBTQ community, and the local diverse Hyde Park neighborhood, offering a new and expanded community gathering space. We began welcoming our first residents in June 2024.
Living at The Pryde
The Pryde is a unique housing community redefining affordable, modern housing for LGBTQ seniors. Vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming, it’s more than a place to live; it’s a celebration of authenticity and belonging. Surround yourself with neighbors who understand your journey, share your experiences, and are committed to building a true sense of belonging.
Guided by our motto, “Out at Home, Affordable Community for All,” The Pryde is a beacon of hope and connection. Embrace a new chapter of living boldly, beautifully, and proudly.
Apartment Listings
Studios, 1-Bedroom, and 2-Bedroom Units
Located throughout the Ground, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd floors.
Features:
Fully renovated, barrier-free layouts
Oversized accessible bathrooms
Accessible kitchens with wall ovens
Levered door handles and cabinet pulls
Community Amenities
Grand auditorium for events and performances
Fitness center + sunroom
Outdoor walking track and fitness area
Raised garden beds, seating areas, and pergola
Requirements for Residence
LGBTQ people and allies aged 62+ who:
Qualify for affordable housing
Are single or live with another person
Do not need services required at assisted living facilities, but want opportunities to enrich their physical and mental health
Are looking for connection with other like-minded individuals in their housing community and beyond its walls
Want to reside in a place where they can be their authentic selves
How to Apply
We are excited you are interested in living at The Pryde! Find information about how to get on the waitlist below. Leasing at The Pryde is managed by Pennrose Management. They can be reached by email at ThePryde@pennrose.com or by phone at 781-808-2023.
Online
To begin your online waitlist application for The Pryde Click APPLY NOW below. You will be automatically redirected to the application platform. Select the red text “Click here to register” to create an account. Once brought to the next page select the “I do NOT have a registration code” button. After filling in your information under “PERSONAL DETAILS”, and creating your new account under “ACCOUNT INFORMATION”, select the “Please read and accept the Terms and Conditions” button at the bottom of the page. After reading and accepting the Terms and Conditions, select the red “Accept” button to submit. Complete your waitlist application within the allotted time* limit.
*Applications not submitted within 14 days will be discarded.
By Mail
You may submit a pre-application to be added to the waitlist and considered for future occupancy.
* The pre-application MUST be completed in its entirety to be eligible for housing (one pre-application per household). Applicants must be 62 years of age or older at lease signing.
* All Pre-applications MUST be submitted via US Mail to:
Mailing Address:
The Pryde - c/o Pennrose Mgmt
55 Harvard Ave.
Hyde Park, MA 02136
Reach out here for any questions or concerns.
Creating The Pryde
Our Story
LGBTQ Senior Housing’s vision for welcoming and affordable senior housing became reality when the renovation of the former William Barton Rogers Middle School began in spring 2022. Following a competitive bid process in 2019, the 100,000-square-foot historic building was awarded to LGBTQ Senior Housing and Pennrose for redevelopment, with design led by DiMella Shaffer.
The Pryde opened its doors to residents in June 2024, marking the first LGBTQ-affirming senior housing development in New England. The name “The Pryde” emerged from community conversations, symbolizing both LGBTQ pride and its Hyde Park roots.
The Space: Where History Meets Home
Originally a historic school built in 1902, The Pryde was reimagined into a modern, inclusive home while preserving its architectural character. The building features 74 thoughtfully designed apartments—a mix of studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom homes. Each apartment was converted from a former classroom and designed for accessibility, with barrier-free layouts, large bathrooms, wall ovens for easy reach, and levered handles for comfort.
The Pryde’s shared spaces are designed to foster creativity, wellness, and connection. Residents and community members enjoy:
The 10,000-square-foot Pryde Community Center, offering educational and cultural programs and a multipurpose space for neighborhood meetings, performances, and events.
An adult learning library and art classroom, with exhibitions curated in partnership with The Boston LGBTQ Museum of Art, History and Culture
The Portraits of Pride photography project celebrating LGBTQ leaders
A fitness center, sunroom, and large auditorium for residents
Outdoor walking track, raised garden beds, benches, and a pergola
The building also houses offices for LGBTQ Senior Housing and the 54th Regiment, honoring Hyde Park’s rich cultural and historical legacy. Together, these spaces create a vibrant hub for both residents and the broader community—a place to learn, celebrate, and belong.
Pre-construction classroom.
Clearing out the former school of supplies - gifted to educators during “Giveaway Days”.
Original colorful lockers - many restored and used at The Pryde.
Community Involvement
The Pryde was built through collaboration and care. From the earliest stages, LGBTQ Senior Housing and Pennrose met with Hyde Park neighbors and LGBTQ older adults to listen, learn, and shape a vision that reflected both community needs and lived experiences. Over 400 letters of support were submitted to the City of Boston, demonstrating overwhelming local enthusiasm for transforming this historic school into welcoming, affordable senior housing.
Historic Preservation
Originally built in 1902, the William Barton Rogers School remains a landmark in Hyde Park’s history. The Pryde’s design honors that legacy through careful restoration and adaptive reuse. Each classroom was transformed into a home while preserving original architectural details like chalkboards and doors. Shared spaces such as the old gymnasium and auditorium were revitalized as community amenities, ensuring that the building continues to serve as a vibrant cornerstone of the neighborhood.
Accessibility
The Pryde embraces universal design to ensure inclusivity for all residents. Two new elevators and accessible entrances connect every floor, while barrier-free apartment layouts support independent living. Wide hallways, large bathrooms, and accessible kitchens were designed with mobility and comfort in mind. Color-coded floors inspired by the LGBTQ flag and Braille signage throughout enhance wayfinding and foster a sense of belonging for people of all abilities.
Environment
Sustainability and well-being are central to The Pryde’s design. The community is pursuing Fitwel Certification for senior wellness and meets LEED Silver standards for environmental performance. Thoughtful attention to air quality, green space, and natural light helps reduce stress and promotes healthy aging. Outdoor walking paths, garden beds, and gathering spaces encourage residents to stay active and connected to nature.