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The Cambridge Historic Preservation Commission told a developer it wants detailed evidence justifying the demolition of the historic Hearn Building before considering any new redevelopment plans.
During a Jan. 22 meeting, commission members said their primary role regarding the Race Street site is protecting the city’s historic fabric. Green Street Housing, the developer behind the project, has not yet submitted a formal application for changes, including potential demolition, but presented its latest plan to the City Commissioners on Jan. 12.
City Planner Dean Gunderson told the commission that Green Street recently indicated shifts in project funding. He described the changes as positive, potentially opening up more options for the site. Developers requested additional time to revise their presentation, which Gunderson recommended the commission should allow.
The project involves redeveloping the dilapidated building at 505-509 Race Street and the adjacent structure at 506. Green Street aims to create a mixed-use building with commercial space on the ground floor and workforce housing above.
Previous plans outlined in a June 2024 Cambridge Planning and Zoning Commission meeting called for demolishing the Hearn Building to make way for up to 44 residential units.
Green Street later revised the proposal, reducing the number of units to around 40, and received approval from city officials in September 2024.
A state document describes the redevelopment as a community with 39 one- and two-bedroom units.
Commission Chair Tim Crosby said the panel’s focus is not on the number of housing units, but on whether demolition is warranted.
“Our business is the retention of the historic fabric in downtown Cambridge,” Crosby said. To evaluate the request, the commission requires testimony from structural and geotechnical engineers. Green Street has hired its own experts, while the city is contracting an independent engineer familiar with the building.
Commission members expressed a desire for engineering reports in advance to allow thorough review and discussed potential site visits, though access is limited until an application is filed due to ownership issues and liability concerns since the property is not owned by Green Street, and prior lenders were involved.
No action was taken at the meeting. The commission plans to convey its expectations to Green Street, urging prompt submission of reports. A second formal review is anticipated once revisions are complete.
The Hearn Building has been a focal point for redevelopment discussions since at least 2021, with earlier proposals for up to 53 units and 31,000 square feet of retail space.
City officials have raised concerns about design and compliance in past sessions, prompting adjustments. The next Historic Preservation Commission meeting is scheduled for Feb. 18.