35 Cherry Street

35 Cherry Street - Existing

35 Cherry Street is a 10,593 square foot lot acquired by the City of Cambridge as part of a real estate development agreement with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This transfer includes the stipulation that the parcel be used in perpetuity in a way that directly benefits residents in The Port (formerly Area Four) Neighborhood and surrounding communities. The lot will be used to create affordable homeownership opportunities

An extensive public process yielded a set of advisory recommendations, including design principles and guidelines for the future development of this property. The meeting notes and materials can be viewed in the Community Planning Process tab.

The City Council transferred the property to the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust (CAHT) in March 2022. In July 2023, the City, through CDD, and the CAHT issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development of affordable homeownership at the site. In October 2023, Just a Start (JAS) was selected by the CAHT as the site’s developer.

JAS is planning on creating affordable homeownership units at 35 Cherry Street. The creation of housing at the site will be permitted under the provisions of the Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO). JAS will continue to engage with the community as they develop a design proposal.

Click here to sign up for email updates and to be notified of upcoming meetings.


Just A Start (JAS) held its third AHO community meeting on August 21, 2024 at 6 p.m. to discuss plans for the proposed homeownership development at 35 Cherry Street as 100% affordable housing.

For more information about the project, please contact Madeline Lee at MadelineLee@justastart.org or visit JAS’s website at https://justastart.org/35-cherry-street/

35 Cherry Street Public Meetings:

Meeting

Date/Time

More Information

JAS Community Meeting Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at 6 p.m. View the meeting flyer.
JAS Community Meeting Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at 6 p.m. View the meeting flyer.

JAS Community Meeting

Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 6 p.m.

View the meeting flyer.

Existing Site: a 10,953 square foot vacant lot

Proposed Redevelopment: affordable homeownership units

  • 35 Cherry Street - Proposed

    35 Cherry Street - Proposed

  • 35 Cherry Street - Proposed

    35 Cherry Street - Proposed

  • 35 Cherry Street - Proposed

    35 Cherry Street - Proposed (Aerial)

  • Map of Cherry Street Lot

    Map of Cherry Street Lot

March 7, 2023 | City Council Approval  

The Community Development Department requested, and the City Council approved, the disposition of 35 Cherry Street to the Affordable Housing Trust to facilitate the development of affordable housing following the community’s goals and recommendations.  

  • Click here to view CDD’s report as submitted to City Council  

  • Click here to view the Final Actions from the City Council Meeting  

March 7, 202235 Cherry Street Report to City Council

February 2, 202235 Cherry Street Design Principles

November 4, 2021 | Spanish Speaking Focus Group Meeting

November 3, 2021 | American-Born Black Outreach Team Focus Group Meeting

November 1, 2021 | Haitian Creole Focus Group Meeting 

September 23, 2021 | Virtual Community Meeting 

September 20, 2021 | Haitian Creole Focus Group Meeting

September 13, 2021 | Spanish Speaking Focus Group Meeting

August 25, 2021 | American-Born Black Outreach Team focus Group Meeting

June 3, 2021 | Virtual Community Meeting

  • Click here to view a video recording of the June 3, 2021 community meeting. Passcode: &g7sJdpz 

  • Click here to view slides presented during the meeting.

  • Click here to view meeting notes.

July 15, 2014 | Community Meeting

December 5, 2013 | Community Meeting

April 8, 2013MIT Commitment Letter Regarding 35 Cherry Street