Under construction

808-812 Memorial Drive, Cambridge

In the mid ‘90s CNAHS worked with the tenant organization of 808–812 Memorial Drive for several years to purchase this expiring use property, which was in danger of having its affordability restrictions expire through the mortgage prepayment. The residents and CNAHS jointly operate this 300-unit, $42 million mixed-income, mixed-use project that includes a preschool, office space, a parking garage, and two gas stations.

The acquisition and rehabilitation of the property required a creative financial plan, which incorporated a multitude of funding sources, including Low Income Housing Tax Credits and HUD Low Income Housing Preservation funds (the first such combination in the country). $13 million in renovations were completed in 1998 and further improvements will continue for the next several years. Some recent improvements include a computer learning center, improved community space, new laundry facilities, a fitness center, the redesign of the interior courtyard and front marketing entrance, and the installation of a “green” co-generation mechanical system.

In June 2018, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled in CNAHS’s favor on a lengthy legal battle with the property investor of 808-812 Memorial Drive over the acquisition price of the property, thereby securing the longevity of the buildings and lasting affordability for the residents. CNAHS, along with architect Bruner/Cott and general contractor NEI, are now focused on a substantial rehabilitation of the property to address significant capital needs. Chiefly, this will entail a recladding of the buildings to fix existing air and water infiltrations and provide greater energy efficiency. The scope will also include interior renovations, improving kitchens and bathrooms in units and updating common areas and mechanical systems throughout the building.

171-173 Columbia Street, cambridge

CONSTRUCTION STARTED APRIL 2022, EXPECTED COMPLETION SPRING 2023

171-173 Columbia Street is a 1906 three-unit “triple-decker” family affordable housing building in Cambridge that suffered a serious fire in November 2020, damage to the structure resulting from the fire and the subsequent water damage necessitated extensive demolition of the interior of the building. The renovation scope is comprehensive including a gut renovation and substantial rehabilitation of the interior. During this renovation, we are taking the opportunity to remove gas service will all new systems designed to be powered by electricity.

With this project, the development and design teams are focused on bringing this property in line with the Department of Energy’s Net-Zero Ready status, organizational and municipal green goals, and will aim to achieve the Enterprise Green Communities Plus Certification. Not only will these renovations ensure that the three households who lived at 171-173 Columbia Street at the time of the fire will be able to return, it also ensures that this property will continue to provide necessary affordable housing for years to come and will be prepared for inevitable temperature increases due to climate change.

Funding includes grants from the Cambridge Historical Society, Charlesbank Homes, and MassCEC.