A VISION FOR CAMBRIDGE
An eye to the future
Over the next several years, the building will undergo a complete interior and exterior renovation, starting with internal abatement work and ending with completion of the building core systems and installation of a new facade. Project milestones will be updated below to show status of the project and estimated start and completion dates for each phase of work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Transformation of a decommissioned 1970s era jail and courthouse previously owned by the State into an innovative mixed-use project.
Mixed use, including: 409,000 sf of office/R&D space, 48 units of affordable rental housing, ground floor retail, childcare and community space.
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Call
The project hotline is: (617) 520-4983
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Construction Update Meetings
(Announced on the NEWS + MEETINGS page)
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About Forty Thorndike
Located in East Cambridge, Massachusetts, Forty Thorndike will embark on a transformative journey from vacant courthouse to a vibrant mixed-used development with a community-driven purpose of enhancing the existing residential and commercial area.
The ground level will evolve from its current confining Brutalist design into a thoughtful series of activated storefronts and intimate public landscaped space for the enjoyment of the Cambridge community and future residents and employees.
Forty Thorndike’s superior location, with its close proximity to Kendall Square, boasts ready access to the area’s top talent and the world’s most successful companies and institutions.
The upper floors of the reimagined building will offer office space planned for innovative firms that are the pride of the Kendall Square area.
The building will also offer 48 affordable apartments located on the 2nd and 3rd floors with a separate exclusive residential entry on Third Street.
BY THE NUMBERS…
Community Benefits
Forty Thorndike is proud to contribute to community causes that support seniors, workforce development programs, non-profits, green initiatives, and local retail.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Forty Thorndike will bring new jobs to East Cambridge, generate millions of dollars in annual tax revenue, and have significant economic impact on the area for years to come.
ACTIVATED RETAIL SPACES
Forty Thorndike will prioritize local retail businesses that support the needs of the East Cambridge neighborhood.
COMMUNITY AND CONFERENCE SPACE
Forty Thorndike will create a quality place for the community to gather, share and plan.
LOCAL NON-PROFIT CHILDCARE
Forty Thorndike is committed to collaborating with a local non-profit childcare provider.
COMMUNITY SPACE FOR SENIORS
At the First Street Garage, Forty Thorndike will support a dedicated community space for local senior programs.
INDOOR YEAR-ROUND FARMER’S MARKET
At the First Street Garage, Forty Thorndike will support the creation of Cambridge’s first indoor year-round farmer’s market.
Neighborhood Public Space
On Spring Street, Forty Thorndike will feature a zen-inspired public green space with a lush tree canopy to provide shade during summer months and wind protection during cold blustery days. Landscaping and abundant new trees will also enhance the pedestrian experience on all four sides of the site.