06/16/2026
We are pleased to share that Dan’s Place at 116 Norfolk Street in Cambridge, MA, received a preservation award from the Cambridge Historical Commission! This recognition underscores how historic preservation can contribute to both community stability and housing equity and reflects our ongoing commitment to affordable housing and preservation efforts.
Originally constructed in 1907 as a convent for the neighboring St. Mary’s Church, 116 Norfolk Street was acquired by Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) in 1975 and transformed into 38 Single Room Occupancy (SRO) units. In partnership with CHA, HMFH completed a comprehensive expansion and renovation of the property in 2025 to address Cambridge’s critical need for affordable housing.
Through thoughtful design, strategic siting of the new addition, and meaningful community engagement, we preserved the historic character of the original structure while seamlessly integrating a 25,000 sf addition that respects the surrounding neighborhood context. The outcome is a welcoming, energy-efficient environment where residents enjoy comfortable studio apartments, a variety of shared gathering spaces, and on-site support services.
