Northborough Affordable Housing Project Earns Preservation Award

NORTHBOROUGH, MA — A Northborough affordable housing project was one of four projects in the state to win a preservation award.

The award was part of the nonprofit Preservation Massachusetts' annual awards. The Gale Store in Northborough was once a pair of historic properties in town and was repurposed into affordable housing.

The project earned the 2020 Robert K. Kuehn Jr. Award, which recognizes projects that meld collaborative partnerships with creative and cutting-edge ideas for the rehabilitation and active reuse of historic buildings. The project was led by Habitat for Humanities MetroWest/Greater Worcester branch.

The Northborough properties are located at 33-35 and 37-39 Main Street. The outside of one of the buildings dates back to the 1800s. The building located at 37-39 was once known as the Gale General Store and dates back to the 1800s. Old ledgers from the store cans till be found at the Northborough Historical Society. The home next to it, 33-35, belonged to Captain Cyrus Gale.

Known as a philanthropist, Gale donated $1,000 in 1868 to found and start Northborough's Free Public Library. Habitat for Humanity said, "We love being a part of history, and with Mr. Gale’s love of philanthropy, we like to imagine he would have thought highly of our plan to provide four local families with affordable homes."

The buildings were converted into four affordable housing condos. The units are structured as a first floor and second floor home. The first floor unit is handicap accessible.

In lieu of an awards ceremony, Preservation Massachusetts is hosting a two-week, virtual celebration in October and a live virtual event on Oct. 22.