Work Begins on New Affordable Housing in East Cambridge

On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, leaders from the City of Cambridge and the Commonwealth gathered with nonprofit Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) to mark the beginning of renovations at the former Sacred Heart church rectory and school in East Cambridge. By the end of 2027, POAH plans to complete construction on the property, which will create 46 new permanently affordable apartment homes.

“We are thrilled to see 46 new affordable units move forward and greatly appreciate POAH’s work to advance a plan for these new homes by converting existing buildings to housing through the City’s Affordable Housing Overlay provisions,” said Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang. “We are thankful for the continued funding commitments made by the City’s Affordable Housing Trust, EOHLC and other supporters that will make it possible to create these new affordable homes.”

This adaptive reuse project at 49 Sixth St (now called The Rose on Sixth) will preserve and restore the architectural character of two historic Cambridge structures, while creating affordable homes for the community. In addition to historic preservation, construction will result in high-quality, energy-efficient homes, that will remain affordable in perpetuity. The property will include 34 one- and two-bedroom apartments, and 12 three-bedroom units, and will serve tenants with a range of incomes below 80% AMI. Approximately 20% of units will be reserved for households earning under 30% AMI, at risk of homelessness.

In attendance at Tuesday’s celebration were Cambridge City Councilors; Housing Department staff; POAH leaders; Clark Ziegler, Executive Director of Massachusetts Housing Partnership; State Representative Mike Connolly; State Senator Sal DiDomenico; and Secretary Ed Augustus, Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.

The Rose is being developed under the Cambridge Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO), a landmark zoning ordinance adopted in 2020 to promote the creation of affordable housing in Cambridge. During the launch celebration speaking program, Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities, Ed Augustus, praised the City’s work on affordable housing and, in reference to the AHO, said, “The City of Cambridge is a leader in coming up with innovative ways of how municipalities can lean into the affordable housing crisis…leading the way and inspiring other cities.”

“POAH looks forward to transforming this historic property into well-designed, high quality and attractive apartments that will offer critical housing opportunities to residents who would otherwise not be able to afford to live in the City of Cambridge,” said POAH President/CEO Aaron Gornstein. “We are grateful for the support and collaboration of our partners, all of whom are making this exciting project possible.”