Columbia Court

In 2006, Just-A-Start Corporation purchased a small commercial building and existing two- and three-family buildings located at 199-209 Columbia Street. With support from the City of Cambridge, the properties were redeveloped into two new and two renovated residential buildings containing 13 family-sized affordable homeownership units.

Columbia Court contains seven 3-bedroom units and six 2-bedroom units. All units were sold to income-eligible first-time homebuyers. The existing residential buildings were renovated with assistance from the Cambridge Historical Commission. Historical details were preserved, and the building exterior colors were chosen to be historically accurate. The project won a Historic Preservation Award from the Historical Commission.

In addition to the reuse of the residential buildings, the existing commercial building was demolished. Five attached townhouses were constructed at 199 Columbia Street, while at the rear of the site three additional units were built. The rear building includes one fully accessible two-bedroom unit. 

The project was completed in 2007. All units are sold and occupied.