12-14 Laurel Street

ABOUT

We are proposing to transform an existing duplex located at 12-14 Laurel Street into four new affordable homeownership units. The development will include (3) three-bedroom units and (1) one-bedroom unit designed with families in mind. Laurel Street is located in the Cambridgeport neighborhood of Cambridge, nestled between Central Square and the Charles River.

Project Manager: Connor Ring

Public Benefits 

  • Four Units of 100% Affordable Homeownership Housing
  • Located between Central Square and the Charles River, the site is close to transit, amenities, and open space
  • The project will be designed to Energy Star or Passive House standards

A New Homeownership Opportunity in Cambridge

Just A Start is proud to develop 12–14 Laurel Street, creating opportunities for homebuyers to put down roots in our community.

TEAM MEMBERS

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Just A Start

Founded in 1968, Just A Start is a community development corporation with a mission to promote equity to create access to stable housing and build pathways to economic opportunity. We build equitable and thriving communities by guiding individuals and families on their path to economic stability through affordable housing, career training, and comprehensive support services. For over 50 years Just A Start has served Somerville and Cambridge through housing assistance, career training, youth education, and financial opportunity programs. We have developed over 600 rental apartments of affordable family housing and 130 affordable homes. Our workforce development programs include Biomedical and IT training and the YouthBuild program. We also offer financial coaching and tax prep through our Financial Opportunity program, and comprehensive support for families towards financial and social well-being through the Families Moving Forward program. Annually, Just A Start serves over 2,600 people.

boehm architecture

Boehm Architecture

Boehm Architecture is a Somerville-based architectural firm specializing in contemporary, sustainable design for homeowners and nonprofits. With a focus on green building practices, the firm offers full architectural services, including initial design, construction documents, interior design, and construction administration. Boehm Architecture also collaborates closely with engineers and landscape architects to deliver comprehensive solutions. An established residential design practice, Boehm Architecture has completed projects across the United States, with most of its work concentrated in the Greater Boston area within Route 128.

TIMELINE

January 2024
Just A Start signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the owners to purchase the site
September 2025
Community Meeting
Fall-Winter 2025
Refine and Develop Project Designs
2026
Financial Closing and Construction Start
2027
Construction Completion

PRESS, REPORTS, & MEETINGS

Frequently Asked Questions

There will be four spacious units consisting of (3) three-bedrooms, and (1) one-bedroom. The one-bedroom unit will be designed for a long-tenured resident of the existing building to return. 

These units will be a part of the City of Cambridge’s Affordable Homeownership Program. The City’s Affordable Homeownership Program is for first time homebuyers and targets households making up to 100% of the Area Median Income. The units at Laurel Street will be restricted to households at or below 80% AMI. The current Cambridge Income limits are available here

Cambridge residents will receive priority for these homes and are encouraged to apply.

While preference to residents of a certain neighborhood can not be given due to Fair Housing regulations, Just A Start will implement affirmative marketing approved by the City of Cambridge to strongly encourage applications from existing residents of the Port neighborhood.

If you are interested in homeownership opportunities now, we encourage you to check your eligibility for housing programs offered in Cambridge here, and to apply to the City of Cambridge’s Homeownership Resale Pool available here.

To receive notifications about all affordable homeownership lotteries in Cambridge, please fill out this form.

Contact US

Have questions or feedback? Fill out our contact form below to leave a message and receive project updates! 

12-14 Laurel Street

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