 Part Seven: Updates on new Projects since the Feb 10 Upzoning WE NOW HAVE 9 EXAMPLES of now-larger multi-million dollar homes benefitting from the Feb 10, 2025 luxury upzoning. They represent generally far larger and more expensive single family homes, duplexes or luxury three-unit examples replacing triple decker rental properties: 641 Concord Avenue near Fresh Pond (still waiting to hear) 164-170 Allston in Cambridgeport (still waiting to hear) 194-196 Lakeview Ave near Fresh Pond 26 Jay Street in Riverside 24 Newell St in Area 9 121 Rindge in North Cambridge 131 Thingvalla in Strawberry Hill 161 Cushing Street in Strawberry Hill 18 Clinton St in Mid-Cambridge RECENTLY SOLD PROPERTIES & Others we are following. 65 Stearns St (Neighborhood 9). 125 Jackson St: Previously a modest single family home on a deep lot that easily could have accommodated 2-unit. Instead, a very large single family home is being built. 124 Jackson St: A storage building was purchased by MGM developer in September 2023. It was demolished in May-June 2024 and the very large lot (5,000+ square feet) sits empty and fenced off. An adjacent property at 120 Jackson St was sold earlier this year and appears to remain empty. 31 Sherman Street (also Neighborhood 9). Last-year a single-family luxury house replaced an older two-family home. UPDATE 1: 641 Concord Avenue (near Fresh Pond). This is a C-1 District two family home. It sits on a massive 29,274 sq ft lot with a large number of trees. The property sold on March 13, 2025 for $4,322, 500.
UPDATE 2: 164-170 Allston (Cambridgeport). This is a very large property with a 10,653 sq ft lot that sits in a C zone. The property is currently a 4-8 unit apartment building. The 2025 city assessor's office states this building has a value of $987,800. The land has a value of $896.000 for a total of $1,9883,800.  The April 2025 sales announcement reads: "Attention developers, contractors, and investors. Don't miss this extremely rare Cambridge opportunity. With an existing 4 family, a huge 10653 Sq ft lot, and the zoning regulation changes, it's time to bring your development team to analyze the possibilities. Showings by appointment." We will know shortly what the new owners intend to do with this property.  UPDATE 3: 194-196 Lakeview (near Fresh Pond). This property was recently sold by Dornelas Luxury Properties, of Somerville. The handsome early 20th Century wood frame building on a lot of 7,344 SF. The city assessor states the current building as a single family home valued as $555,900 with a land value of $1,735,000. This house has been approved for demolition. Since the Cambridge Historical Commission has deemed this property insignificant, there will be no public meeting to discuss either the benefits of a demolition or the plans for the new building that will be constructed there. We will post the plans as soon as we receive them. What we have learned from abutters is that they plan to demolish this house and add two large town houses at the rear of the property extending to within five feet of the property line, and a large single family home instead of this one. With three units, each likely selling for $3+ million apiece, making this property worth at least $9 million. The housing prices (and taxes) for neighbors, many on fixed incomes, will increase exponentially. There will be sizable tree and green space losses. The developer is Nilton Dornelas of Pro Touch Development in Peabody, Ma.  In any other Boston area or U.S. city the above home with its elegance and charm would be a dream house of sizable worth, but in this case it will be demolished, the materials that went into its manufacture will be lost to a dump site. UPDATE 4: 26 Jay Street (Riverside). The current property is a 1902 three story structure containing five bedrooms in a two family home format that comprises 3,411 sq ft on a 5728 sq ft. lot with several large trees. This project came before the Cambridge Historical Commission on March 6, 2025 for review of the proposed new design and permission to demolish the current structure. The proposed new plan which was presented to the Historic Commission is for three 3-story homes in a pseudo row-house format that would comprise 9050 sq ft of living space with a total of 14 bedrooms. The plan calls for the removal of the trees on this lot. The current building value is $1,000,600 according to the city's assessor database. The land value is $1,044,000 for a total assessed value of $2,044,600. The property recently sold for $2,450,000. The Instagram sale notification states that "This property was secured prior to Cambridge’s recent significant Up-Zoning! While New Zoning allows a 4-6 Story Condo building, As of Right, the intent for a change that both the neighbors, and the future inhabitants will truly appreciate, remains unchanged." The CHC did not approve current plans, which will have to come back with revisions. Once a viable plan is approved, in all likelihood, each of the three new luxury homes will sell for over $2 million each, for a massive financial benefit to the developer who acquired this property. Adjacent homes will substantially increase in value as well once the new homes are sold.  UPDATE 5: 24 Newell St. (Neighborhood 9): This 1931 home came before the Cambridge Historical Commission on March 6, 2025 to consider the proposed plans for a replacement building following demolition. This is located in a formerly a C-1 district. In 2025 the building was given a value by the assessor of $278,400 and a land value of $699,200 for a total value of $977,600. The discussion is continuing, but most likely the new structure will be a much larger and far more expensive single family home on this 2,931 Sq Ft lot. The proposed new plan goes from 1125 sq ft of living space to 3600 sq ft, more than 3 times larger and with minimal setbacks because the "new zoning allows it." Trees will be removed.   UPDATE 6: 31 Thingalla Avenue (newly listed February 26, 2025) This is a two-family home listed for $2,495,000 and intended for an investor, here suggesting two luxury condos in place of the current 1928 two family home. It was last sold in 1996 and the current assessed value is $1,337,500. This is a very dramatic price increase e if it sells for nearly the asking price, just based on the city's recent upzoning ordinance. In this case as in so many others, no additional housing will be built in this case; instead, the buyer is urged to swap two luxury condos for a two-family home. But nearby property owners will also see their home values increase, along with their property taxes.  As the ad on Zillow states: "Exciting Investment and Development Opportunity in the Strawberry Hill area of Cambridge! Discover the potential of this prime location currently designed to build two luxury townhouses, each boasting over 2,400 sq ft of living space. These townhouses present an unparalleled chance to capitalize on the thriving market for high-end residential properties in Cambridge. Moreover, recent zoning changes unlock an array of possibilities, presenting the opportunity for innovative redevelopment and potential expansion into additional housing units. This is the perfect time to invest in the future of Strawberry Hill and shape the neighborhood's landscape with your unique vision. Don’t miss out on this exceptional opportunity to create something." UPDATE 7: 121 Rindge Ave. The cute 1851 home (below top left) on this North Cambridge Property had already been sold and received its demolition permit before the 2025 citywide luxury housing up-zoning petition was enacted. The new contemporary home on this oversize 6756 sq ft lot has yet to be built, but plans have already been drawn up for the lucky buyer with a bold, contemporary design of a much larger footprint replete with underground parking (see image lower right) along with 4 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. According to the assessor's database this home was sold in 2022 for $1,250,000 and is now identified as the property of a Park Avenue NYC LLC. "6,756 sq ft built 2026. Your dream home awaits! Under construction" reads the ad. The fact that it is on the market at this over-the-top prices speaks to the craziness the luxury housing upzoning has promoted.  A March 1, 2025 Reddit story alerted us to this property, the author's child home as well as that of her parents' and grandparents. It was sold when the remaining grandparent died to provide for heirs. An earlier effort to renovate the exterior was apparently denied by the historic commission because it was not consistent with the Greek Revival style (note: nor are the iron porch features). But later a full demolition was allowed when a new developer applied. Lately here has been massive pushback against our Historic Commission (CHC) by members of the pro-developer political group, so it is more rare to deny a demolition permit if a structure has not been landmarked is rare. Most likely the bold contemporary design was approved by the CHC before the demolition permit was approved. This no doubt occurred well before the luxury housing upzoning was approved, and the property has been for sale for longer than most Cambridge properties no doubt because of the stunning $3.75 million price tag. An earlier Sotheby's International Realty ad, listed the home this way: "This classic Greek Revival gem is, south facing, light filled and sits on an oversized lot with a garage. It has been lovingly owned by the same family for 55+ years. With all the hallmarks to, again, be a superb 'dream' dwelling it awaits the next transformation to create your perfect home! Set back from the street, enjoy evenings on the front porch in a great neighborhood where everyone knows your name or retreat to the large rear yard and patios for summer entertaining. All of the 8 rooms are well proportioned and spacious with good ceiling height and excellent closet space. The eat-in kitchen features natural gas for cooking and laundry hookups. A commuters’ dream the BikeScore is 90 and the WalkScore 79, additionally it offers easy access to routes 2,128 and 93. This revered location is less than a mile from both Porter and Davis Squares as well as the Alewife T station. Savvy buyers take notice - revive this ‘diamond in the rough’ and create your own vision of perfection."  At this juncture, a new owner could potentially throw out what has been already started and build anything they want - no design oversight or review needed. With some humor, posters on Reddit noted grassy pasture setting on the upper right rendering was noted since Rindge today (as in the past) has an array of housing from this era, including one for at risk women. This is a very busy and often noisy avenue at times marked by loud sirens. The Reddit poster notes that "The reality is that this is a house in an old, crowded neighborhood. It's been like 20 years since any major work was done on the surrounding roads/sidewalks/sewer system.... Just feels kinda sad that I can't afford to live in my hometown anymore, despite having a great job." We agree! And as with the new and very expensive new Strawberry Hill, Riverside, Cambridgeport single family home and duplex properties this North Cambridge one fits in with the reality that our once more affordable neighborhoods are prime targets for new luxury homes. At least in this case current tenants were not forced out. Update 8: 161 Cushing Street (Strawberry Hill Neighborhood) A property that was highlighted on realtor websites on February 18 and 19, 2025 was a Strawberry Hill property on Cushing Street, advertised boldly as: "strategically located to take full advantage of recent zoning changes…. this property offers tremendous potential for redevelopment, including the option to build two luxury townhomes, each featuring off-street parking and approximately 3,500-4,000 sq. ft. of living space. With an estimated sellout of $6M based on comparable sales… this is an extraordinary investment opportunity. Alternatively, by-right zoning allows for the construction of 4-6 units, making it a prime buy-and-hold asset. For those looking to capitalize on the increased land value.” (emphasis added).  The listing price for this duplex now under construction is a whopping $2, 649,900. In short it is in the ball park of the many $2.5 million NEW, SPOTLESS, READY-TO-GO luxury homes now going up around the city. There is no doubt about it, the selling point for this Cushing Street property, which was built 100 years ago in 1925, is that someone with sizable financial means will be able to make a significant profit. It sits on a 5,000+ SF lot and has 6 bedrooms and 2 baths. The listing of this property on February 18, 2025 makes this clear: As of 3:45 PM on February 19, 2025, the day it was posted, the Reddit site listing had been viewed by nearly 2,000 people. It was listed on February 18 by the real estate agent for a whopping $2,649,900. At 5,000+ SF, this new Cushing Street project could go to 6 stories in height, provided it includes 10 or more units (20% of which would be inclusionary/affordable). Yet none of these new homes will be affordable. The realtor suggests this might be a 4 or 6 unit structure if an investor wanted this. In short these will be luxury units, likely to go for $2 million or more. None would be affordable to Cambridge librarians, police officers, or public school teachers. UPDATE 9: 18 Clinton St. (Mid-Cambridge) 18 Clinton St. sits on a large 6051 lot in a C-1 district near Central Square within the Mid- Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District (NCD). The original structure was built in 1858 and had served as a 4-8 unit apartment building. The city assessor's office appraised the land in 2025 as worth $1,344,000. They evaluate the building value as $891,600 for a total value of $2,235,600. The property (below) already had a plan approved by the Mid-Cambridge NCD and under construction when the citywide luxury upzoning petition passed on February 10. After this happened the developer decided to come back before the Mid-Cambridge NCD for a quite different plans that was based on the citywide upzoning. At the meeting, there was considerable discussion of the new plans in light of this February 10 decision, however, in the end the commissioners voted in support of the developer. Now there will be TWO very expensive homes on the property, replacing what had been identified by the assessor as 4-8 rental units (see new design below). Here again we see the impacts of the Cambridge upzoning, with the monetized decision to move to fewer larger units on property, removing green spaces and trees as part of the project more generally. We are finding the same thing happening throughout the city.  What might have been: the property is very close to Central square and on a 6,000 SF property one could well imagine a 6-story building here with 10+ units of which 20% would be inclusionary ("affordable") housing - or even a 4-story building with 4 large rental units. But since our City Council chose to leave our planning up to investors and developers, the results are what we would expect. No doubt in the end it will be an attractive and very expensive two family home property.  Is the new plan a good one in architectural design terms? No. Is it a good design project in terms of increasing housing in Cambridge and lowering housing costs? Absolutely not, but this is what our new zoning is enabling developers to do with the blessing of the current City Council and its ABC majority members.  Read our other blogposts in this series: Part One -- “Take a Look. It’s Already Happening” HERE Part Two -- "YIMBY Present and Past" HERE Part Three -- "Strawberry Fields Forever" HERE Part Four -- "A PRIMER: Our Revolutionary YIMBY Success Story" HERE Part Five -- "Cambridge is Number 1!!!" HERE Part Six -- " The Role of Students in our Recent YIMBY Victory HERE Part Eight -- "Summary of YIMBY blogposts and Further News"HERE Investors in Cambridge. The image below was received by many Cambridge residents today, urging people to sell out (no care for trees, lower income residents or other issues). This company specializes in "By investors for investors." 
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