Clarendon Hill: Preserving Homes Through Partnership and Innovation

Housing Opportunities Unlimited is proud to support relocation efforts that create affordable homes for families and strengthen communities.

The Clarendon Hill redevelopment in Somerville, MA, serves as an inspiring example of how collaborative planning and creative financing can make such a project possible.

The transformative project, developed through a partnership among Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH), the Somerville Housing Authority (SHA), and the Somerville Community Corporation (SCC), is a multi-phase redevelopment that replaces aging housing and ensures it remains affordable for current residents and future generations.

Clarendon Hill is being redeveloped through a multi-phase public financing structure that blends government investment, nonprofit commitment, and private capital, including funding support from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (HLC), MassHousing, and the City of Somerville.

One of the first high-rise modular buildings developed with Lab 9 Modular in New England, the first phase began in early 2023 and will deliver 130 replacement units, replacing 216 deeply affordable state public housing units, and another 38 net-new affordable homes available to families earning at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI). Construction for phase 2 (92 apartments) is slated to begin in early 2026, and the third phase will follow with 331 apartments.

The HOU has been working closely with residents to identify housing that meets their needs in a tight market, negotiating master leases with landlords, and serving as advocates and guides throughout the process. Despite the significant logistical complexity, families were successfully relocated during construction. Residents are beginning to move back into newly completed buildings, marking a meaningful full-circle moment for the community.

Built Through Partnership

Success on a project of this scale requires collaboration among state and local governments, community advocates, nonprofit partners like POAH and SCC, and families who call Clarendon Hill home.

Every voice has contributed to shaping an inclusive vision for Somerville’s future. The strong network of public and private partnerships demonstrates what is possible when housing solutions are approached with creativity, empathy, and shared purpose.

A Community Reimagined, Not Just Rebuilt 

Innovation plays a key role in the Clarendon Hill redevelopment, utilizing the latest technology in modular and panelized construction techniques, which involve stacking steel-framed units fabricated by Lab 9 Modular, to speed up construction and minimize the time families spend off-site. As POAH Project Manager, Jon Springfield noted,

“Every decision is shaped by a focus on delivering quality, energy-efficient housing faster; a benefit for both current residents and the broader housing market.“

The Clarendon Hill redevelopment isn’t just about replacing old buildings; it’s about building a vibrant, inclusive community. The new Clarendon Hill includes a mix of deeply affordable housing for residents, additional income-restricted units, and well-designed market-rate homes that help subsidize long-term affordability. Shared open spaces, improved neighborhood connections, and modern amenities reflect thoughtful design that supports community interaction.

How the Project is Financed

The preservation and redevelopment of Clarendon Hill is made possible through a layered financial structure that combines public investment, nonprofit leadership, and private capital, all designed to protect long-term affordability and support resident stability.

Key Funding Sources:

Resident Relocation in Action

“My move and relocation went smoothly, and I am now fully settled into my new residence. The transition, coordinated with POAH, SHA, and administrative updates through HOU, has been completed. The move was well organized and completed without complications. The HOU team was very helpful and thoughtful throughout the move, providing meaningful support during the transition.” – Mideline Jean, Clarendon Hill resident

One of the most essential commitments of this redevelopment is that all 216 residents and their families have the right to return home upon completion of construction. The HOU team onsite supports every Clarendon Hill household and provides relocation services tailored to each resident and their family’s needs.

“Resident relocation is one of the most complex parts of redevelopment projects because it involves careful coordination that impacts families’ lives. At Clarendon Hill, HOU worked alongside residents and partners to guide households through their moves while protecting stability, trust, and ensuring their right to return home.” – Vanessa Rivera, HOU Regional Director

Supporting residents during relocation is the heart of HOU’s work. The HOU relocation team at Clarendon Hill had to be especially creative, working directly with residents to match them with housing that fits their needs in a tight market, managing master leases, and advocating for families every step of the way.