116 Norfolk Street

116 Norfolk Street - Completed Exterior

The Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) reconfigured 116 Norfolk Street from 38 Single Room Occupancy (SRO) units into 38 self-contained studio apartments. The building also underwent 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 meet Enterprise Green Communities standards and include energy efficiency improvements, such as added insulation and rooftop solar arrays.

The CHA also constructed a new addition to the rear of the historic building, creating 24 new studios that complement the existing structure and preserved as much existing trees and open space as feasible. The completed 62-unit property were leased to returning residents and to individuals coming out of homelessness and are affordable in perpetuity. The CHA is partnering with Eliot Community Housing Services to provide residents with a robust set of services. 

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

116 Norfolk Street completed construction in early 2025 and is now home to individuals who experienced long-term homelessness, who will have access to robust, in-house supportive services provided by Eliot Community Human Services. 

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.

The renovated property includes:

  • 62 studio units of permanent supportive housing, which will be affordable in perpurity

  • Office spaces for Elliot Human Services Community to provide robust supportive services to residents

  • Four lounges, a laundry, and a fitness room 

  • Long-term and short-term bike parking spaces

  • Ample open space

  • 116 Norfolk Street - Completed Exterior

    116 Norfolk Street - Completed Exterior

  • 116 Norfolk Street - Completed Interior

    116 Norfolk Street - Completed Interior

  • 116 Norfolk Street - Completed Interior

    116 Norfolk Street - Completed Interior

  • 116 Norfolk Street - Completed Interior

    116 Norfolk Street - Completed Interior

  • 116 Norfolk Street - Completed Interior

    116 Norfolk Street - Completed Interior

  • 116 Norfolk Street - Completed Exterior

    116 Norfolk Street - Completed Exterior

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

 

116 Norfolk Street is owned and operated by the Cambridge Housing Authority. Available rooms at this property will be offered to people on the Cambridge Coordinated Access Network (C-CAN) waitlist. The C-CAN waitlist is a list of people experiencing homelessness who are interested in housing opportunities. If you are experiencing homelessness and would like to be added to this list, please contact the Coordinated Access Network at 617-349-7715 or cambridgeCAN@cambridgema.gov. You may also go in person to the Cambridge Multi-Service Center on the 1st floor of 362 Green Street in Cambridge during walk-in hours on Tuesday and Thursday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

If you are interested in other affordable rental or homeownership opportunities, please click here to learn about other City programs.