Worthington Place is an existing historic manufacturing complex in Cambridge’s Kendall Square that was renovated and converted into 186 market rate rental units. Cambridge’s largest adaptive reuse of an historic building for residential use, the project consists of five separate structures with over 300,000 sf of existing building.
The renovation was designed to take advantage of much of the industrial character of the building. A four-story atrium was restored to bring natural light into the main entrance lobby. An existing shed building in the center of the complex was stripped to its steel frame to create a landscaped courtyard.
The existing buildings obtained historic certification and the project retained the industrial and mill building character of the complex. The units are designed primarily as two bedrooms with bathrooms separated by a kitchen and living area to facilitate rental in a market catering to students and the academic community. The building was commended by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for its level of historic preservation, which went beyond typical expectations, and for its impact on the surrounding neighborhood.