City Celebrates 106 New Affordable Homes at 52 New Street

On June 8, City of Cambridge Leaders joined nonprofit partner Just A Start for a community celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony at 52 New Street. The completion of this six-story development is a significant achievement in Cambridge's efforts to expand affordable housing opportunities.

"We are so proud to see 52 New Street reach this incredible milestone. This property is especially important to us, as the first project permitted under the Affordable Housing Overlay," said Cambridge City Manager, Yi-An Huang. "We are grateful to Just A Start for believing in our citywide vision for equitable access to housing in Cambridge, and we are pleased to gather today to celebrate over 100 new affordable homes for Cambridge families."

52 New Street brings 106 permanently affordable rental homes to North Cambridge and represents the largest residential development in Just A Start's history. Located adjacent to Danehy Park and within walking distance of the Alewife MBTA station, the development transforms a formerly vacant building and parking lot into a vibrant, sustainable community designed to support residents of varying incomes.

"Housing affordability is a top priority for the City of Cambridge and for our residents. For so many families, it is the foundation that makes stability and opportunity possible," said Sumbul Siddiqui, Mayor of Cambridge. "The Affordable Housing Overlay was a major milestone, designed to make it possible to build more permanently affordable homes, faster. It is incredible to see one of the many fruits of that labor in just under three years. Through the collective investment of the City, the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust, the state, private partners, and the hard work of Just A Start and their construction and architectural partners, 106 permanently affordable homes are now a reality in North Cambridge. And 52 New Street is only the first."

Construction on the development began in December 2023. The completed project includes 22 one-bedroom, 62 two-bedroom, and 22 three-bedroom apartments, along with 3,875 square feet of ground floor commercial space. Residents will also benefit from a variety of community amenities, including roof and patio decks, a fitness room, community room, and play area. Built to Passive House energy efficiency standards, the development emphasizes long term sustainability and environmental responsibility.

"With move-ins already underway, families are beginning a new chapter in homes that provide stability, opportunity, and connection to the Cambridge community," said Carl Nagy-Koechlin, Executive Director of Just A Start. "52 New Street represents what is possible when communities invest boldly in affordable housing. We are deeply grateful for the years of partnership, collaboration, and support from the public and private partners who helped bring this vision to life and ensure residents can continue to live and thrive in Cambridge."

Of the 106 apartments, 17 are reserved for households earning up to 30% of Area Median Income (AMI), 79 are reserved for households earning up to 60% of AMI, 10 are designated as middle income units for households earning up to 80% of AMI.

Learn more about the Affordable Housing Overlay and read the progress report on the AHO's first five years here on the Housing Department website.