In Partnership with the City, Homeowner’s Rehabilitation, Inc. Purchases 28-30 Wendell Street, Cambridge, MA

 Property Sale by Lesley University will Create Needed Affordable Housing 

 [Cambridge, MA] Homeowner’s Rehabilitation, Inc. (HRI), a non-profit community development corporation in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has purchased a property that houses a former dormitory and rental apartments from Lesley University with plans to build new, affordable housing. The purchase of 28 Wendell Street was funded by the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust. HRI previously acquired 30 Wendell Street from Lesley at the end of 2023. “The City of Cambridge is excited to fund and partner with HRI on this important project and looks forward to the community process this spring and summer,” said Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang. “The Affordable Housing Overlay amendments and climate resilience zoning played pivotal roles in making this project possible. It will ultimately add to the City’s growing stock of affordable housing and provide greater access for families to live and thrive in Cambridge.” In addition to affordable housing, the combined site will allow HRI to include a full management office, a resident services office, and substantial common space for residents. These robust amenities will create a management and resident services hub intended to serve HRI’s local scattered sites and the broader community in the Baldwin neighborhood. Together, these parcels present a unique opportunity to add affordable apartments to the Baldwin neighborhood, a highly walkable area with many community resources and close to ample public transportation options. As stewards of nearly 1,700 affordable homes, HRI knows that people are Cambridge’s greatest resource. With deep roots in our community and residents active on our board and committees, HRI creates climate-resilient housing and supportive programs so that Cambridge residents of low and middle incomes can thrive. “HRI is very appreciative to both Lesley University and the City of Cambridge. Thanks to their partnership, we will create new, beautiful, affordable housing in the Baldwin neighborhood," said HRI Executive Director Sara Barcan. “The project team is now focused on designing a building with sophisticated green features, a thoughtful streetscape to enhance the pedestrian experience and attractive apartments to provide critically needed affordable housing.” The sale of the two Wendell Street properties, no longer utilized by the University, were part of a $100 million renovation project on Lesley’s three Cambridge campuses. The project is revamping some 40 buildings and grounds to ensure the physical facilities support its academic mission.” It was important for us that these properties be used to benefit the city of Cambridge, where housing is a top priority,” said Janet Steinmayer, President of Lesley University. “For these properties to be converted into affordable housing aligns with our long-held values of inclusivity and equity and will augment our vibrant community.” 

In the coming months, HRI will hold several community meetings and events and will work with City staff as it begins to develop design and programming for 28-30 Wendell Street. 

For more information about affordable housing in Cambridge visit cambridgema.gov/housing. Updates about this specific project can be found at 30WendellStreet.com.