Historic Building at 1627 Mass Ave to be Repurposed for New Affordable Housing


4/7/2022 • 2 years ago

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Earlier this week, Lesley University announced that it had reached agreement to sell its property at 1627 Massachusetts Avenue to Homeowner’s Rehabilitation, Inc. (HRI), a non-profit providing affordable housing in Cambridge. HRI will purchase the property in the coming months with funding from the City’s Affordable Housing Trust. The historic building on the site formerly served as Lesley’s Admissions and Visitor Services Center. HRI plans to renovate and expand the existing historic building to create new affordable housing. 

“Repurposing this historic building in a great location for affordable housing is the exact outcome that we hoped for, and I am grateful that Lesley University, HRI, and the Affordable Housing Trust were able to work together to make it happen,” said Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui. “We need to continue to be creative about finding opportunities to provide more affordable housing in Cambridge, and this purchase is another step in the right direction.”

Last fall, Lesley University announced its new Campus Plan and offered several buildings for sale. The Cambridge City Council requested that the City explore purchasing some of these buildings to benefit the community through creating new affordable housing. Cambridge’s Affordable Housing Trust will fund the purchase of 1627 Mass Ave to advance this important goal in the Baldwin neighborhood.

“Knowing how great the need is for affordable housing in Cambridge, Lesley University made a significant financial contribution by accepting a lower offer to help make this transaction possible,” said Lesley University President Janet L. Steinmayer. “We think this is an excellent outcome, and that it is very fitting that this historic property, originally the home of Cambridge Mayor Charles H. Saunders, will be renovated and repurposed to serve such a critical need in our community. We are so pleased that Lesley’s investment will create new housing opportunities in our community.”

“Creating and preserving affordable housing remains the City’s top priority, and I am proud that the Trust can commit these funds toward that critical goal,” said City Manager and Affordable Housing Trust Chair, Louis DePasquale. “I would like to thank HRI and Lesley University for their partnership and dedication to the Cambridge community. Since FY19, City funding for the Affordable Housing Trust has increased by 137%. Because of our longstanding history of dedicating funds to affordable housing efforts, our city is well-positioned to take advantage of opportunities like this purchase.” 

HRI has provided affordable housing in Cambridge since 1972 and has extensive experience with reuse of historic buildings as affordable housing and new construction. 

“HRI is very grateful to Lesley University and the City of Cambridge and we are very pleased to have this opportunity to provide affordable housing and historic preservation in this neighborhood that can offer so much to individuals and families,” said HRI Executive Director, Peter Daly.

In the coming months, HRI will begin planning for the development of the property as affordable housing. HRI will hold community meetings and work with City staff as it begins to develop its plans to ensure the best possible outcome for the community.

The purchase is set to be finalized later this year. For more information about affordable housing in Cambridge visit cambridgema.gov/housing.