(BOSTON—10/30/2025) Legislation filed by Senator Paul Feeney to amend use of the former Foxborough State Hospital property passed in the Massachusetts State Senate during a formal session on October 16, 2025. 

S.2141, “An Act relative to amending certain use restrictions for the Foxborough State Hospital” allows the Town of Foxborough to move forward with the final phase of the long-standing Foxborough State Hospital Reuse Plan. This legislation enables completion of the adaptive reuse of the former auditorium, an architecturally and culturally significant structure that has long been vacant and in disrepair.  

Under the plan, land adjacent to the former auditorium will be developed into a senior assisted living facility. The auditorium itself, rather than being demolished, will be converted into ten market-rate housing units, complementing the overall development of the site and preserving its historic character.  

“Repurposing the old Foxborough State Hospital Auditorium and adjacent land into assisted living and market rate housing units is a common-sense use of vacant land. Not only will the new housing support Foxborough residents through their housing life cycle, but it will also honor the historical significance of the old auditorium by repurposing the structure, rather than demolishing it. Thank you to Town Manager Duncan and the Town of Foxborough for their partnership in reaching this final stage of the Foxborough State Hospital Reuse Plan, and for their vision to ensure Foxborough residents can age with dignity in their own community,” said State Senator Paul Feeney (D-Foxborough). 

Town Manager Paige Duncan added: 

“We are deeply grateful to Senator Feeney and the Commonwealth for working closely with the Town of Foxborough to bring this long-awaited phase of the State Hospital Reuse Plan closer to completion. The preservation of the historic auditorium and the addition of assisted living housing reflect priorities voiced by Foxborough residents throughout this process. This project not only protects a meaningful part of our history but also provides needed housing that allows residents to remain in the community they love.” 

The Foxborough State Hospital Reuse Plan has served as the guiding vision for redevelopment of this former state-owned property, emphasizing a diverse and inclusive mix of housing options that support all phases of the life cycle, from apartments and small homes to condominiums and assisted living. The current lack of assisted living facilities in Foxborough often leads to older adults in need of these services to seek housing outside of their hometown, a loss for families and community cohesion. This legislation will facilitate the construction of senior assisted living units and fulfill a vital component of the housing life cycle. 

In order to complete the final phase of the plan, legislation was needed to remove a state-imposed recreational use restriction on a portion of land formerly part of the Foxborough State Hospital campus. The bill grants the Commissioner of the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) the authorization it needs to repurpose the land. 

Having passed in the Senate, this legislation now moves before the House for consideration. 

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