United Group of Companies Opens 123-Unit Senior Housing Community in Worcester, Massachusetts

WORCESTER, Mass. — The United Group of Companies has officially opened The Arbella at Bramble Hill, a 123-unit, Class A, 55+ active adult apartment community located at 361 Arbella Dr. on Worcester's west side. The Troy, New York-based real estate development company marked the milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 21, 2026, attended by city officials, development partners, and members of the Worcester Chamber of Commerce.

Project Overview and Physical Characteristics

The Arbella at Bramble Hill comprises three three-story, elevator-served residential buildings spread across a 17-acre site near Salisbury Street. The community offers 60 one-bedroom and 63 two-bedroom apartments, with units averaging approximately 1,049 square feet. At the center of the development sits an 8,500-square-foot clubhouse featuring an indoor pool, golf simulator, yoga studio, multimedia theatre, and social gathering spaces.

Outdoor amenities include pickleball and bocce courts, community gardens, an outdoor kitchen and grilling stations, and a dog park. Residents also have access to a shuttle bus and a wellness spa and salon. The community is positioned as a market-rate, maintenance-free living option for adults 55 and older, a product type described by the developer as filling a gap in the Worcester County multifamily market.

The property is located within five miles of the Massachusetts Turnpike, interstates I-290 and I-190, and Worcester's commuter rail station, Union Station.

Financing and Capital Structure

The Arbella at Bramble Hill was financed with a $39 million bridge loan arranged by JLL, secured against the three-building, 123-unit property at 361 Arbella Dr. Alexander Schmidt, Senior Vice President at Eastern Bank, also participated in the grand opening ceremony.

Apartment listing platforms show one-bedroom units priced from approximately $2,795 to $3,100 per month and two-bedroom units ranging from roughly $3,685 to $3,995 per month. As of mid-September 2026, the community was in an active lease-up phase, with approximately 28 units available.

Developer and Leadership Commentary

"Today's a really exciting day because we're not just celebrating the completion of a project but were celebrating the beginning of a new chapter for this community and for our organization," said Michael DiGiacomo, United Group's Chief Operations Officer. "This is United Group's first development project in the area, and it has truly been amazing to see The Arbella come to life."

Michael J. Uccellini, United Group's President and CEO, also addressed attendees at the ceremony. "A project like this doesn't come together without a team, and I'm very, very blessed to have a wonderful team at United Group," Uccellini said. "The investment we've made here is pretty significant and it's one that we're really proud of, and we're excited to be here for a long time."

The Arbella at Bramble Hill represents United Group's first development in the Worcester market. The company is headquartered in Troy, New York, and operates a portfolio of senior and active adult housing communities.

City Officials Weigh In on Housing Need

Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty and City Manager Eric Batista both spoke at the grand opening, framing the project within the city's broader housing priorities.

"We talk a lot about making Worcester a place where people can go to school, build their careers, and raise a family. But just as important is making sure that Worcester is a place where you can stay, thrive, and age in the community you grew up in," Mayor Petty said. "That's why communities like The Arbella at Bramble Hill matter."

"Bringing in 123 units of housing is a worthy celebration that we should all be excited for," City Manager Batista added. "I want to thank United Group for bringing housing that aligns with our seniors. I thank you for your leadership. And I look forward to seeing the continued investment."

Also in attendance were Kayanna James from the office of Senator Robyn Kennedy, Doreen Goodrich from the office of Senator Mike Moore, and Dave Garvin from the Worcester Chamber of Commerce.

Lifestyle Programming and Market Positioning

A central component of United Group's operating model at The Arbella at Bramble Hill is its trademarked SUN® Program, a structured lifestyle initiative offering daily activities including aqua aerobics, yoga classes, happy hours, and lunch-and-learn sessions. The program is designed to address residents' social, physical, and intellectual engagement — a differentiator the company deploys across its senior housing portfolio.

The combination of Class A finishes, resort-style amenities, and a structured programming calendar positions The Arbella at Bramble Hill in a distinct segment of the Worcester multifamily market, where comparable active adult supply has historically been limited. The property's location on Worcester's west side, with direct access to major highway corridors and the city's commuter rail hub, further supports its appeal to the 55-and-older demographic the community targets.

More information about The Arbella at Bramble Hill is available at arbellabramblehill.com.

Sources: United Group of Companies