Project

New Home for the Cambridge Housing Authority

Bringing fresh air, daylight, and artwork to this former police headquarters

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In Progress
Adaptive Reuse
FA Energy
Preservation
Civic
Development
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K-12
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Alice K. Wolf Center

Alice K. Wolf Center

City of Cambridge
Cambridge, Massachusetts

Finegold Alexander worked with the City of Cambridge to transform the historic Cambridge Police Headquarters into an open, collaborative environment for three distinct community service agencies: the Cambridge Housing Authority, the Multi-Service Center and the Community Learning Center. The 1933 building—with its near original mechanical systems and low ceiling heights—had stood empty since 2008. The exterior was completely restored, including original copper roof details. All spaces were made accessible. Natural daylight and ventilation were provided for all the occupants, providing a calming environment for the building’s service providers as well as the community members they serve.

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(Photo credit: Neil Alexander Photography)

Size
62,575 SF
Scope
Renovation, Restoration, Adaptive Reuse
Program
Central Gathering Spaces, Offices, Meeting Rooms, Classrooms
Sustainability
LEED Gold
Awards
2014 Preservation Award, Cambridge Historical Commission
2015 AGC Build New England Award
In the news
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Project EUI
Detail photo of the former Cambridge Police Headquarters with female pedestrian walking by. Photo shows ornate, historic iron work detailing
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“It’s a win-win-win-win”
Richard Rossi, former Cambridge City Manager
Interior view of new communicating stair and circulation core of the Cambridge Housing Authority
Two office workers in corridor with daylighting from glass doors and sidelights. Custom blown glass art is installed at window transoms.
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The design removed the existing boiler stack at the core of the building and included the installation of all-new highly efficient mechanical and lighting systems. Designed to achieve a 43% energy savings over Code, with a focus on occupant comfort and daylighting, the project achieved LEED Gold. Exterior walls and roof were restored and insulated and new high performance, historically appropriate windows were installed.

Entry foyer with office worker at the Cambridge Housing Authority, in a former police headquarters building that was adapted and reused
Casual dining space with office colleagues at the Cambridge Housing Authority, showing warm finishes, natural daylight and also exposed MEP systems
rooftop terrace with city views and historic building detailing, at the renovated offices of the Cambridge Housing Authority
Open space, communal areas for relaxation and multi-tasking at renovated office spaces by Finegold Alexander Architects.
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“We were able to remain in Central Square which is a benefit [to our clients and staff], and that’s a big thing because we could not duplicate this anywhere else in Central Square in today’s market.”  
Greg Russ, former Executive Director, Cambridge Housing Authority

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Alice K. Wolf Center
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FA Energy
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Preservation
Civic
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