Work Begins on New Affordable Housing in East Cambridge
via Cambridge Community Development Department
Leaders Celebrate the History and Future of The Rose on Sixth
"On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, leaders from the City of Cambridge and the Commonwealth gathered with nonprofit Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) to mark the beginning of renovations at the former Sacred Heart church rectory and school in East Cambridge. By the end of 2027, POAH plans to complete construction on the property, which will create 46 new permanently affordable apartment homes.
“We are thrilled to see 46 new affordable units move forward and greatly appreciate POAH’s work to advance a plan for these new homes by converting existing buildings to housing through the City’s Affordable Housing Overlay provisions,” said Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang. “We are thankful for the continued funding commitments made by the City’s Affordable Housing Trust, EOHLC and other supporters that will make it possible to create these new affordable homes.”
This adaptive reuse project at 49 Sixth St (now called The Rose on Sixth) will preserve and restore the architectural character of two historic Cambridge structures, while creating affordable homes for the community. In addition to historic preservation, construction will result in high-quality, energy-efficient homes, that will remain affordable in perpetuity. The property will include 34 one- and two-bedroom apartments, and 12 three-bedroom units, and will serve tenants with a range of incomes below 80% AMI. Approximately 20% of units will be reserved for households earning under 30% AMI, at risk of homelessness."