99 Bishop allen drive

This property was built in 1855 as four elegant row houses. In 1965, the property was purchased by Cambridge Community Services (today called Enroot), renovated, and converted into nonprofit office space.

Today, the CRA owns the site in order to preserve its legacy as a hub in Central Square for vital social services.

In May 2022, the project renovation was awarded a 2022 Preservation Award by the Cambridge Historical Commission.

Nonprofits operating out of the building include:

In fall 2019 the CRA purchased the building at 93-99 Bishop Allen Drive in Central Square to preserve it as affordable space for nonprofit social service programs. The building has been home to a range of vital nonprofit programs since 1965. The CRA bought the building upon the request of many tenants in the building. Tenants feared that the extreme cost of real estate in the area would threaten their ability to stay in the building after it was sold on the private market, or to find other suitable space.

In December 2021 the CRA substantially completed a major renovation of the building so that it can serve the Cambridge nonprofit and social service community — and all of their members and program participants — for many more decades.

Staff and board members of the CRA and Cambridge Community Foundation, as well as staff from the many agencies that run programs in the building, October 2019.

Staff and board members of the CRA and Cambridge Community Foundation, as well as staff from the many agencies that run programs in the building, October 2019.

Fall 2020, a few months prior to the start of renovations.

VIRTUAL GROUNDBREAKING, FROM SPRING 2021

The two videos below served as a virtual groundbreaking as the project kicked off. Learn about the project’s history and the many partners who helped it reach this point, and virtually walk through design renderings of the completed building.

Join the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority to celebrate the start of construction at 99 Bishop Allen Drive in Central Square. Thank you to the many partners and stakeholders who helped this project reach this moment. Once completed, the project will provide energy efficient, accessible, affordable space for nonprofit programs in a restored historic building. Thanks to Silverman Trykowski Associates for the renderings included in the video.
"Walk through" the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority's property at 99 Bishop Allen Drive in Central Square, Cambridge to see what it will look like when renovations are complete. The building's nonprofit tenants will return to newly improved office and program space in fall, 2021. Credit to Silverman Trykowski Associates for provision of this video.

  • Project Partners:
    Building tenants

    Architect:
    STA Design

    General Contractor:
    GVW

    Property Manager:
    TSNE

    Owners Project Manager:
    Tim MacKay, STV

    Funding Partners:
    MassDevelopment &
    CambridgeTrust

    Year Started:
    2019

  • Matthew Heller-Trulli, ext 17, mheller-trulli@cambridgeredevelopment.org

This Project In The News

Featured
Life slowly returns to Cambridge's 'nonprofit row,' Redevelopment authority seeks tenant for remaining space in Bishop Allen Drive building
Life slowly returns to Cambridge's 'nonprofit row,' Redevelopment authority seeks tenant for remaining space in Bishop Allen Drive building
 

Additional information

1970, a few years after the major renovation of 1965.

1970, a few years after the major renovation of 1965.

Corner of Bishop Allen Drive and Essex Street, circa 1930

Corner of Bishop Allen Drive and Essex Street, circa 1930

 

UPDATES

  • As of December 22, 2021 the building has reached substantial completion, and has received a conditional 90-day permit, with just a few items pending to secure a permanent building and occupancy permit! The building’s nonprofit tenants can now fully return to their spaces.

    There are two renovation items that will be completed in the spring once the weather warms: new sidewalks and protective finishes on the main entry canopy.

    Also in the first half of 2022, the building will see an installation of solar panels on its roof.

    The CRA will host a ribbon cutting ceremony for the major renovation in late winter or early spring 2022. We will publicize that event widely once the date is set.

    • Elevator installation

    • Dormer panel installation

    • Completion of electrical, fire safety and HVAC

    • Pour and finish front entry ramp and stairs

    • Pour and finish rear courtyard

    • Pave rear parking lot

    • Install covered bike parking

    • Foundation waterproofing

    • Installation of flooring and kitchen finishes

    • Painting

    • Complete windows installation

    • Demolition of front entry to prepare for new entrance and ramp

    • Start construction of rear egress courtyard wall

    • Continued sheetrock, electrical, ductwork, sprinkler installation

    • Delivery of some elevator components

    • Installation of new windows

    • Continued masonry repair, repointing, and washing

    • New roof installation

    • Fire alarm and electrical wiring

    • Rough plumbing

    • Sprinkler pipe installation

    • Complete mini split and duct work installation

    • Removal of improperly buried oil tank discovered on site

    • Continued masonry repair, repointing, and washing

    • Drilling for elevator pit

    • Continued duct work and mini-split installation

    • Continued partition framing and door framing

    • Sprinkler pipe installation

    • Shingle roof demolition

    • Installation of stormwater recharge chamber

    • Masonry repointing, washing and lintel installation

    • Rough in of electrical and plumbing

    • Installation of HVAC duct work and mini split units

    • Partition framing

    • Targeted interior demolition

    • Asbestos abatement

    • Interior trenching for plumbing and electrical

    • Masonry joint cutting

    • Removal of vinyl siding on dormer

    • Capping and removal of gas service (building will be all electric)

    • Removal of rear parking surface for stormwater drainage system installation

    • Start elevator decommission

    • Targeted interior demolition

    • Asbestos abatement

    • Masonry joint cutting

  • Renovation of 93-99 Bishop Allen Drive is now underway! Tenants will return to the building in fall 2021. The renovations will:

    • Improve HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) systems

    • Upgrade the fire safety system

    • Improve accessibility and ADA compliance

    • Restore the historic facade

    • Improve energy efficiency, including by installing solar panels

    • Maximize the use of space for social missions

    • Improve the overall quality of the working environment

    7-1-20 Request for Community Preservation Act Funds (approved 9/14/20)

    5-20-20 Schematic Designs and Renderings

    5-20-20 Memo on Bishop Allen Scope, Budget and Timeline

    4-15-20 Memo on Possible Project Scope and Design

    Above are renderings showing how the building is expected look after renovations are completed in 2021.