Frost Terrace

Frost Terrace is a transit-oriented, 100% affordable family housing community in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that brings together three historic houses, thoughtful contemporary architecture, and a human-centered landscape.

The project transforms an underutilized site along a commercial avenue into high-quality housing for 40 low- and middle-income families, providing homes for over 130 residents. Widely recognized as a model for affordable housing design, Frost Terrace preserves historic buildings while creating vibrant, inclusive living spaces for residents of all incomes.

The project embraces a pioneering approach to preservation, balancing conservation and transformation. Three historic houses, including the William Frost House, were carefully restored and re-positioned to enhance their presence on the avenue, while new construction provides additional family-sized units. The design preserves original architectural details, integrates sustainable systems, and maximizes daylight, outdoor access, and green spaces. Historic and new elements are unified through materials, scale, and color, creating a cohesive community that honors Cambridge’s architectural heritage while meeting contemporary needs.

Frost Terrace demonstrates how preservation, affordability, and sustainability can work together. By restoring historic structures, adding modern housing, and improving environmental performance, the project enriches the streetscape, strengthens community identity, and provides lasting, high-quality homes. The development stands as a testament to thoughtful urban transformation, showing that historic preservation and contemporary affordable housing can coexist harmoniously.

Awards:|
BSA/AIA, 2023 Merit Award for Built Design Excellence in Housing

^{Photos by Robert Benson Photography}