The Cambridge YWCA occupies a prominent corner in Cambridge’s busy Central Square neighborhood, and provides a variety of vital social service programs to women and families. In order to further the Y’s mission and to fulfill a significant need to serve the Cambridge Housing Authority’s constituents, the organizations are collaborating on a new, 42-unit complex of affordable rental apartments.
HMFH’s design for this LEED Silver building includes a green roof, bamboo flooring, building materials from recycled content, and covered on-site bicycle parking. The seven-story building will replace an unused pool building and inadequate classroom wing, and will complete the YWCA campus by proving a strong edge along the Temple Street streetscape. With a mix of predominantly one- and two-bedroom units, plus several specially designed for universal access or residents with visual or hearing impairments, Temple Place will make a significant contribution to the city’s need for affordable housing.