Bluedot Living Features Cambridge Triple Decker, Columbia Street Residences
Stephanie Horowitz was recently interviewed by Bluedot’s Britt Bowker to talk about Columbia Street Residences, ZED’s affordable housing project in Cambridge, MA. The article, titled, ‘How a Cambridge Triple-Decker Became a Model for Affordable, Sustainable Living,’ details this extensive interior renovation that resulted in an all-electric, super insulated building providing three apartments for low-income residents.
Background on the project: A fire severely damaged a triple-decker on Columbia Street in Cambridge, displacing three low-income families. The Cambridge Community Housing Development (CCHD) collaborated with ZED to renovate the building with a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. The renovation included installing air-source heat pumps for heating and cooling, energy recovery ventilators for continuous fresh air, and dense-packed cellulose insulation made from recycled materials. Notably, the original residents were able to return to their homes post-renovation, highlighting the project's success in combining affordable housing with sustainable living.
