116 Norfolk Street

The 116 Norfolk Street building dates to 1907 and was originally operated as a convent. The Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) renovated the property in 1975 as 38 SRO units with shared kitchens and bathrooms. The CHA is reconfiguring the existing 38 SRO units into 38 self-contained studio apartments and is constructing a new rear addition to the historic building to contain an additional 24 studios. The completed 62-unit property will be leased to returning residents and to individuals coming out of homelessness. The CHA will be partnering with Eliot Community Housing Services to provide residents with a robust set of services.

The 116 Norfolk Street redevelopment is permitted under the provisions of the Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO). The existing building is undergoing a comprehensive update including new plumbing, HVAC, heating, electrical and fire protection systems, as well as exterior work and site improvements to enhance accessibility and improved common areas. Upgrades also include energy efficiency improvements such as added insulation and rooftop solar arrays. The building is being renovated to meet Enterprise Green Communities standards. The CHA has designed the new addition to complement the existing structure and to be sited to maximize interior efficiency while also preserving the maximum number of existing trees and open space as feasible.

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The CHA completed the AHO process in October 2022 and began construction in January 2023.

116 Norfolk Street Public Meetings:

Meeting	Date/Time	More Information
Planning Board Meeting	Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at 7:30 p.m.	View the meeting materials.
Planning Board Meeting	Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at 6:30 p.m.	View the meeting materials.
CHA Community Meeting	Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.	View the meeting flyer.
CHA Community Meeting	Thursday, February 10, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.	View the meeting flyer.

Existing Building: There are 37 single-room occupancy (SRO) accommodations for seniors and people with disabilities.

Proposed Redevelopment: The CHA is renovating the existing building and constructing a new addition to provide up to 62 studio apartments with private kitchens and showers for existing residents and individuals transitioning out of homelessness.