Español | Kreyòl Ayisyen | Português | 汉语

116 Norfolk Past & Present

116 Norfolk was constructed in 1907 as a convent. Cambridge Housing Authority purchased the building in 1975 and renovated it into 37 units of single-room occupancy (SRO) congregate housing and one concierge unit. Apartments currently each have their own toilet and sink but share kitchen and shower facilities. Converting the congregate apartments to studios with private kitchens and baths has been identified by residents as a priority. Furthermore, the building is now in need of further renovation, with multiple building systems past their useful life and failing including plumbing and heating. 116 Norfolk is a large site, with potential to add another building or large addition on the site while still preserving open space. Lastly, there is currently only one part-time case manager onsite. Residents, neighbors, the City, and the CHA have identified the need for more supportive services as another priority for the project.

What's in the Works

Cambridge Housing Authority is renovating the existing 116 Norfolk building to make needed improvements to the aging building systems and convert the existing SRO units into studio apartments. Residents in SRO units share shower rooms and kitchens; after renovations, all residents will have their own kitchen and full bathroom. CHA will also expand the building to create additional apartments and partner with a local social services provider to offer supportive services for residents. Renovations will result in a total of up to 62 studio apartments on the site, an increase of 24 apartments from the current 38 apartments on-site. This addition, as well as the planned partnership, will create dozens of new apartments for low-income people and greatly increase the level of supportive services for current residents and individuals exiting chronic homelessness. All current residents will have the right to return to 116 Norfolk after construction, and intake for new residents will be from Cambridge's Coordinated Access Network (C-CAN) list of people experiencing homelessness in Cambridge. Currently, 116 Norfolk has only one part-time supportive services coordinator for 37 residents. After the renovations, 116 Norfolk will have four full-time on-site case managers for 62 residents, five times the current level of social services on site. 116 Norfolk will also have overnight security seven days per week, as well as a 24/7 hotline to provide resident support.

For more information on the Permanent Supportive Housing model, please visit the Permanent Supportive Housing tab.

What's Happening Next

The proposed modernization of 116 Norfolk is expected to go before the Planning Board in summer of 2022, the specific date to be decided. CHA is working with our architects at HMFH Architects, Inc. to incorporate additional resident and neighborhood feedback into the design for the site. Please check the Timeline for upcoming events. We invite you to Subscribe for email updates and add your feedback or ask questions in our Feedback section.