35 Cherry Street

35 Cherry Street - Existing

35 Cherry Street is a 10,593 square foot lot acquired by the City of Cambridge as part of a real estate development agreement with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This transfer included the stipulation that the parcel be used in perpetuity in a way that directly benefits residents in The Port (formerly Area Four) neighborhood and surrounding communities. The lot will be used to create affordable homeownership opportunities

An extensive public process yielded a set of advisory recommendations, including design principles and guidelines for the future development of this property. The meeting notes and materials can be viewed in the Community Planning Process tab.

The City Council transferred the property to the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust (CAHT) in March 2022. In July 2023, the City, through the Community Development Department, and the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust (CAHT) issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development of affordable homeownership at the site. In October 2023, Just a Start (JAS) was selected by the CAHT as the site’s developer.

JAS is creating 10 affordable homeownership units at 35 Cherry Street under the provisions of the Affordable Housing Overlay.

For more information, please visit JAS's project page here


The construction of 35 Cherry Street is underway with an anticipated completion by mid-2027

35 Cherry Street Public Meetings:

Meeting

Date/Time

More Information

JAS Community Drop-In Hours April 2, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. View the meeting flyer.
Planning Board Meeting March 18, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. View the meeting materials.
JAS Community Meeting August 21, 2024 at 6 p.m. View the meeting flyer.
JAS Community Meeting June 26, 2024 at 6 p.m. View the meeting flyer.

JAS Community Meeting

May 15, 2024 at 6 p.m.

View the meeting flyer.

Existing Site: a 10,953 square foot vacant lot

Proposed Redevelopment: 10 affordable homeownership units with generous living space and private open space (6 two-bedroom units & 4 three-bedroom units)

  • 35 Cherry Street - Proposed

    35 Cherry Street - Proposed

  • 35 Cherry Street - Proposed

    35 Cherry Street - Proposed

  • 35 Cherry Street - Proposed

    35 Cherry Street - Proposed (Aerial)

  • Map of Cherry Street Lot

    Map of Cherry Street Lot

March 7, 2023 | City Council Approval  

The Community Development Department requested, and the City Council approved, the disposition of 35 Cherry Street to the Affordable Housing Trust to facilitate the development of affordable housing following the community’s goals and recommendations.  

  • Click here to view CDD’s report as submitted to City Council  

  • Click here to view the Final Actions from the City Council Meeting  

March 7, 202235 Cherry Street Report to City Council

February 2, 202235 Cherry Street Design Principles

November 4, 2021 | Spanish Speaking Focus Group Meeting

November 3, 2021 | American-Born Black Outreach Team Focus Group Meeting

November 1, 2021 | Haitian Creole Focus Group Meeting 

September 23, 2021 | Virtual Community Meeting 

September 20, 2021 | Haitian Creole Focus Group Meeting

September 13, 2021 | Spanish Speaking Focus Group Meeting

August 25, 2021 | American-Born Black Outreach Team focus Group Meeting

June 3, 2021 | Virtual Community Meeting

  • Click here to view a video recording of the June 3, 2021 community meeting. Passcode: &g7sJdpz 

  • Click here to view slides presented during the meeting.

  • Click here to view meeting notes. 

December 5, 2013 | Community Meeting

April 8, 2013MIT Commitment Letter Regarding 35 Cherry Street

The units at 35 Cherry Street have not been constructed yet. When the development is complete, all units will be filled by income-eligible first-time homebuyers through a lottery. Click here to sign up to be notified of upcoming affordable first-time homebuyer lottery opportunities in Cambridge, including the lottery for this project, as they become available. Anyone interested in other affordable homeownership opportunities can click here to learn more about other City programs.