116 Norfolk Street

Exterior of 116 Norfolk

The Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) is reconfiguring the existing 38 SRO units at 116 Norfolk Street into 38 self-contained studio apartments. The current building will also undergo a comprehensive update, including new plumbing, HVAC, heating, electrical and fire protection systems, as well as exterior work and site improvements to enhance accessibility and improved common areas. Upgrades will meet Enterprise Green Communities standards and will include energy efficiency improvements, such as added insulation and rooftop solar arrays. The CHA is also constructing a new rear addition to the historic building to contain an additional 24 studios that will complement the existing structure and preserve as much existing trees and open space as feasible.

The completed 62-unit property will be leased to returning residents and to individuals coming out of homelessness. The CHA will be partnering with Eliot Community Housing Services to provide residents with a robust set of services. 

The 116 Norfolk Street redevelopment is permitted under the provisions of the Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO).


The CHA completed the AHO process in October 2022 and began construction in January 2023.

116 Norfolk Street Public Meetings:

Meeting Date/Time More Information
Planning Board Meeting Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. View the meeting materials.
Planning Board Meeting Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. View the meeting materials.
CHA Community Meeting Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. View the meeting flyer.
CHA Community Meeting Thursday, February 10, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. View the meeting flyer.

Existing Building: There are 37 single-room occupancy (SRO) accommodations for seniors and people with disabilities.

Proposed Redevelopment: The CHA is renovating the existing building and constructing a new addition to provide up to 62 studio apartments with private kitchens and showers for existing residents and individuals transitioning out of homelessness. 

  • Exterior of 116 Norfolk Street

  • Exterior of 116 Norfolk

  • 116 Norfolk Street Rendering

    116 Norfolk Street Rendering

  • 116 Norfolk Street Rendering

    116 Norfolk Street Rendering

  • 116 Norfolk Street Rendering

    116 Norfolk Street Rendering

  • 116 Norfolk Street Rendering

    116 Norfolk Street Rendering

  • 116 Norfolk Street Rendering

    116 Norfolk Street Rendering

  • 116 Norfolk under construction - November 2024

    116 Norfolk under construction - November 2024

Final Report of AHO Design Consultation - October 26, 2022

Planning Board Presentation - September 13, 2022

Community Development Department Memo - September 6, 2022

Revised Volume 2 - August 26, 2022

Revised Volume 1 - August 26, 2022

Planning Board Meeting Notice - September 13, 2022

Volume 2 Revisions - August 16, 2022

Responses to Planning Board Comments - August 16, 2022

Initial Report of AHO Design Consultation - July 20, 2022

Planning Board Presentation - July 5, 2022

Community Development Department Memo - June 29, 2022

Department of Public Works Memo - June 27, 2022

Planning Board Meeting Notice - July 5, 2022

AHO Submission Volume 1

AHO Submission Volume 2

AHO Submission Volume 3