Jefferson Park Federal Modernization

Jefferson Park Federal is a federally-assisted family development located off Rindge Avenue in North Cambridge adjacent to Jefferson Park State. The development was originally constructed in 1952 and had its last major modernization in 1987. The development includes seven four-story concrete frame masonry buildings and one six-story mid-rise building totaling 175 family apartments.

BWA Architecture (BWA), a Boston architecture firm, is the designer for the modernization of Jefferson Park Federal. After completing an Existing Conditions Assessment which found that the units and buildings were in poor condition, BWA and the CHA studied various renovation and reconstruction options, but ultimately decided that a complete tear-down and reconstruction was the best option.

The new development will consist of six four-story buildings, and contain a mixture of townhouse units, flats, walkups and elevator buildings, with 278 residential units. The usable open space has been expanded with amenities like a Bluebike station, a splash pad, grilling and picnic stations, and multiple play areas for children. Other amenities include exercise and community spaces for resident use.

The planning process for Jefferson Park Federal has included a robust resident and community engagement process. CHA staff have held over 25 meetings with residents since 2016. These meetings included updates and discussion about design, landscaping, amenities, and relocation. Three public community meetings were held and the CHA met privately with the North Cambridge Stabilization Committee, a local neighborhood organization. CHA staff also presented and received feedback from the Cambridge Committee on Public Planting.

The planning, zoning and permitting review for this development has been done under the Cambridge Affordable Housing Zoning Overlay (AHO). Updates have been posted throughout this process, and links to updates following AHO community meetings are located below. As part of the AHO review process, two public meetings were held before the Cambridge Planning Board to review the designs.

As of December, 2022, all residents have been relocated, all with the opportunity to return after construction completion. Demolition and construction is expected to start mid-2023.

Key design and meeting documents can be found below. For questions or information about the JP Federal revitalization, please contact Joe Bednar at 617-401-4312 or Jbednar@cambridge-housing.org.