WHAT WE DO

OUR MISSION

The Cambridge Redevelopment Authority is committed to implementing creative development projects and initiatives that promote social equity and environmental sustainability. As a real estate entity that works in the public interest, we offer distinctive public investment tools and a human dimension to our projects and partnerships throughout the city. 

People participating in an outdoor yoga class on a rooftop, with a glass building and heart-shaped sculptures in the background.
A group of eight diverse men and women standing outdoors around a brick pedestal with a sign that reads "open to all". They are smiling and dressed casually. Behind them are trees, buildings, and other people at an event.
Group of eight diverse people smiling, holding surveys and documents, in a classroom or meeting room with a table, papers, and folders on it.
Four women standing and talking outside near a white tent with the text 'REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY' on it, in a parking area with cars and brick buildings in the background.
A woman giving a presentation to a group of people in a well-lit room with wooden floors. The audience is standing and listening attentively, some holding drinks, with a table on the left side of the image.

THE ISSUES

Cambridge faces challenges in balancing urban development with community needs, ensuring equitable access to resources, and preserving the city's unique character amidst growth

HOW WE SOLVE THEM

Through innovative programs, strategic planning, and active community engagement, we work to address these challenges by creating spaces and opportunities that benefit all residents, ensuring a vibrant and inclusive Cambridge for generations to come.

WHAT IS REDEVELOPMENT?

The Whitehead Institute under construction, 1994

The Whitehead Institute under construction, 1994

In an effort to encourage sound growth and to revitalize urban areas that are substandard, decadent or blighted open space, the legislature developed an urban renewal program under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 121B. Municipalities are authorized to develop blighted areas for residential, recreational, educational, hospital, business, commercial, industrial or other purposes. Future development within these designated urban renewal areas must be undertaken in accordance with use limitations specified in approved urban renewal plans.

Chapter 121B places great importance on the achievement of socio-economic development such as the provision of jobs for the unemployed, the addition of tax revenue to overburdened communities and/or the construction of space for the expansion or siting of industry or business. Urban renewal projects help municipalities revitalize deteriorated areas by providing the economic environment needed to attract and support the private investment needed to achieve a balanced mix of housing, business and industry.

Currently, the CRA continues to implement one ongoing redevelopment plan in Kendall Square, now focused on the sub-station project north of Broadway.  It manages two mission-oriented commercial buildings and multiple park spaces in Kendall Square and extends to the wider Cambridge projects. Please reference the catalogue of annual reports to follow the work of the CRA through the years.

CHECK OUT THE 2023 STRATEGIC PLAN

 OUR HISTORY

The CRA was formed in 1956 and has a long history of advancing a wide range of projects and programs.  Over its history, the CRA has adopted five urban renewal plans, implemented one demonstration plan, executed numerous developments and renovations, and conducted planning studies throughout the City of Cambridge.

In 1965, the CRA and the City of Cambridge adopted the Kendall Square Urban Renewal Plan with a primary goal of providing to NASA land for an Electronic Research Center.  In order to transform the 43-acres of urban blight into vacant land suitable for development, the CRA acquired 70 parcels of land, relocated 100 businesses, demolished 50 buildings, filled the Broad Canal, and constructed public infrastructure improvements and roadways.  In 1970, NASA abandoned its operations in the project and transferred its interests to the U.S. Department of Transportation, to create the Volpe Transportation Research Center.  The CRA retained the advisory panel services of the Urban Land Institute (ULI), which concluded that “Cambridge Center is a unique opportunity area, one that should be reserved to maximize its locational advantages.” In 1978, the CRA designated Boston Properties as the developer of Cambridge Center.

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