Jefferson Park Federal Welcomes Home New and Returning Residents


11/5/2026 • 1 day ago

After several years of planning and construction, the Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) is preparing to welcome residents back to the newly redeveloped Jefferson Park Federal, marking a major milestone in one of Cambridge's most significant affordable housing investments.

Located in North Cambridge, Jefferson Park Federal previously contained 175 affordable rental units that had deteriorated over time, forcing many apartments offline and limiting housing opportunities for residents. Today, the transformed development is bringing new life to the site, replacing all 175 original affordable homes and adding 103 new units for a total of 278 affordable rental apartments across six modern buildings.

The redevelopment, which received significant funding from the Affordable Housing Trust, is proceeding under the provisions of the City's Affordable Housing Overlay, and will provide high-quality, energy-efficient homes for generations of Cambridge residents while significantly expanding the City's affordable housing stock.

All 278 apartments will be affordable to households earning up to 60% of the Area Median Income. The development includes 41 one-bedroom units, 106 two-bedroom units, 111 three-bedroom units, and 20 four-bedroom units, creating housing options for individuals, couples, and families of all sizes. In addition to new homes, the project features redesigned roadways with multiple entrances and exits, new active and passive green spaces, community space, management and maintenance facilities, and on-site space for a Head Start program, creating a vibrant and connected neighborhood for residents.

The first completed building has already welcomed residents and is fully occupied. The building includes 10 one-bedroom units, 13 two-bedroom units, and 16 three-bedroom units. Seven households have returned to Jefferson Park Federal after being relocated during construction, an early sign of the community's successful return.

A second building - containing 6 one-bedroom units, 20 two-bedroom units, and 22 three-bedroom units - began leasing in early November 2026. Two additional buildings are expected to complete construction by the end of the year.

Approximately 65 households have already expressed interest in returning to Jefferson Park Federal, a number expected to grow as additional buildings become available. Apartments not occupied by returning residents will be filled through the Cambridge Housing Authority's existing waitlist process, helping more families access affordable housing in Cambridge.

The final two residential buildings are expected to be completed in late summer 2027 and will house 83 low-income households. Notably, 77 will be family-sized units, addressing a critical need for larger affordable apartments in the city.

When complete, the new Jefferson Park Federal will provide 103 more affordable homes than it had previously, while preserving a longstanding community. As residents begin returning and new households move in, the development represents a significant step forward in Cambridge's ongoing efforts to expand affordable housing and create thriving neighborhoods for all residents.