Cambridge residents and commuters should brace for extended disruptions as structural issues have forced the City of Cambridge to implement road and sidewalk closures around 221 Mount Auburn Street, a site poised for demolition. According to details released by the City of Cambridge, the closure will affect portions of Mount Auburn Street and Sparks Street starting Saturday, July 19, with detours expected to remain in place through the end of 2025.
Following an investigation into the structural integrity of the Riverview Condominium Building, city officials have deemed it necessary to close Sparks Street between Brattle Street and Mt. Auburn Street, as well as Mt. Auburn Street between Lowell Street and Willard Street to all through traffic. These closures will ensure the safety of residents and commuters as the City of Cambridge prepares for the building's demolition. Access will be maintained for direct abutters, ensuring they can reach their homes amidst the ongoing situation.
Detours have been planned for local traffic with westbound and eastbound routes around Harvard Square being rerouted through adjacent streets. As per the City of Cambridge announcement, westbound vehicle traffic on Mt. Auburn Street will be diverted onto Willard Street, then Brattle Street, Channing Street, and back to Mt. Auburn Street. Eastbound traffic will follow a similar detour via Lowell Street, Brattle Street, Hawthorn Street, and then return to Mt. Auburn Street. Additionally, specific detour routes have been set for southbound vehicles on Sparks Street and even for MBTA buses on routes 71 and 73 to accommodate the changes.
For commercial transportation, through truck routes have been established, guiding westbound traffic from Mass Ave southbound through Garden Street and Concord Ave, eventually linking back to Mt. Auburn. Eastbound trucks will follow a mirrored route through Aberdeen Ave, Huron Ave, and ultimately reconnecting to Mt. Auburn Street, according to the City of Cambridge.
The urgency of the situation stems from a 2023 discovery of significant structural deficiencies in the nine-story Riverview Condominiums during routine roof and drainage repairs. The condo association, having deliberated over various repair strategies, concluded that the building could not be salvaged and would require demolition. As reported by a statement released on the City of Cambridge official website, all residents were evacuated by the end of 2024, with the City of Cambridge closely coordinating on the demolition plans.
Local residents within the closure zone who need more information or wish to set up a meeting with city officials are encouraged to contact Kristen Kelleher, Cambridge Department of Public Works Community Relations Manager, at 617-349-4825 or via email at [email protected]. Additional details regarding the 221 Mount Auburn Street issue and updates on the demolition can be obtained by signing up for email notifications at the provided link, as per the City of Cambridge.
