Historic Preservation + Development
17 Story Street — Harriet Jacobs House
Overview
17 Story Street represents Thane & Reeve's commitment to development that honors Cambridge's history while addressing its housing needs. The project preserves the Harriet Jacobs House — a significant African American heritage site where Harriet Jacobs, after publishing her landmark autobiography 'Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl,' operated boarding houses for Harvard faculty. Barrett spent over five years working with the city, the Jacobs Legacy Committee, and Cambridge residents to design a project that preserves the historic structure while constructing a hotel and at least 50 new homes, 10 of which will be affordable. The project received unanimous 7-0 approval from the Cambridge Historical Commission, with support from the Harvard Square Business Association and multiple city councillors. Designed by Cambridge Seven, the project reflects Barrett's approach: deep community engagement, historic sensitivity, and long-term investment in Cambridge's neighborhoods.
Key highlights
Execution timeline
Barrett begins engagement with Jacobs Legacy Committee and city officials
Five years of community meetings, design iterations, and historic preservation planning
Cambridge Historical Commission hearing — approved in principle, 7-0 unanimous
Harvard Square Business Association and city councillors testify in support
Planning — approval in principle; no construction start reported
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