The Redevelopment

Background of the project

When the first Felician Sisters arrived in Enfield 90 years ago they needed housing to begin a new province in New England. Establishing themselves in Enfield, CT, they built a thriving community that was home to over 100 sisters, with trainees and visitors from all over the country. Since the height of their membership in Enfield, the sisterhood has declined and only 24 sisters now remain in Enfield. They are now faced with the question of deciding what the future holds with a sisterhood too little to support the long-term maintenance of the Felician campus.

Doing nothing is not an option for the Sisters, and instead they have envisioned the redevelopment of the campus an opportunity to preserve the legacy of the Felician Sisters by continuing to do what they’ve always done – serve the community.

The Felician Sisters have a long history of providing affordable housing and safe communities for those living in poverty, veterans, elderly persons, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations with housing communities in Pennsylvania, Delaware and Connecticut.

The Felician Sisters core values – transformation, solidarity with those in need, respect for human dignity – is a driving force behind the redevelopment of the Enfield campus.

To learn more about the Felician Sisters, visit http://www.feliciansistersna.org

Why are the Felician Sisters redeveloping their campus?

The number of Felician Sisters across the country is in decline, but the need for their ministries continues. As a result, the Sisters are being planful about how to continue their ministries, maintain the historic campus, and serve the community for generations to come. In order to meet these goals, they are looking at models that would allow them to continue to be able to maintain the campus and operate their programs sustainably.

The Felician Campus Redevelopment isn’t solely about creating much-needed housing for our elderly neighbors. It’s an investment into our community and into ensuring the long and lasting legacy of the Sisters. This transformation of the campus will create affordable senior housing, while provide community spaces and programming for both current and future residents so the Felician Campus can continue to be enjoyed and maintained for generations.

Redevelopment Goals and Objectives

Adaptive reuse of vacant St. Felix Center for the purposes of senior housing.
Preservation of the character of the campus, through the re-use of existing buildings, preservation of the Chapel for worship, and maintaining the historic parade grounds.
New senior amenities including a health and wellness center, community room, and programs and outdoor recreational spaces.
On-site property management services to oversee day to day activities, tenant screening and lease up, and ongoing maintenance needs. No change to the existing services provided by Enfield Montessori School and St. Francis Senior Residence.
Preserve specimen trees, walking paths and the labyrinth with a certified LEED Silver or greater design.
Work with the community to identify a future use for the Convent.