Project Overview
The 41 Jefferson ReUse initiative reflects a shared commitment to sustainability, community partnership, and creative solutions to Nantucket’s housing challenges. By relocating and reusing existing structures instead of demolishing them, the project reduces waste, preserves historical character, and expands access to much‑needed housing options.
How Are the Six Units Being Distributed?
Of the six housing units currently on the 41 Jefferson Avenue site:
- Three units will be relocated to 158 Madaket Road.
Two of these homes will be sold by the Affordable Housing Trust to households earning up to 150% of Area Median Income (AMI), and the third will be restricted to 240% AMI supporting the island’s “missing middle”—individuals and families who earn too much to qualify for traditional affordable housing but still struggle to find attainable options. - Three units will be moved to 159 Hummock Pond Road for use as Land Bank employee housing, expanding the organization’s ability to house its workforce.
Why Move the Units Instead of Demolishing Them?
The Nantucket Land Bank is prioritizing reuse over demolition as part of its long-term sustainability goals. Reusing existing buildings:‑term sustainability goals. Reusing existing buildings:
- Reduces demolition waste
- Lowers embodied carbon impacts‑carbon impacts
- Preserves valuable historic and architectural resources
- Supports community housing needs in a cost effective, environmentally responsible way‑effective, environmentally responsible way
This collaborative approach aligns with the Land Bank Act’s mission to steward island resources while supporting broader community priorities.
What Does It Cost to Move the Units?
The six units together total 10,820 square feet.
Using the rough estimate of $6–$10 million to relocate five of the units, the project comes in at approximately:
- $554–$924 per square foot
How Does This Compare to New Construction?
- Wiggles Way (31 Fairgrounds Rd): $870 psf (excluding infrastructure)
- Waitt Drive Dormitory: $1,250 psf (including infrastructure)
- Habitat for Humanity: $480–$560 psf, supported by volunteer labor and donated materials
- Land Bank modular duplex at 166 Hummock Pond Rd: $725–$925 psf anticipated
These comparisons highlight that structure reuse remains competitive—and often advantageous—especially when factoring in sustainability and community impact.
Plans for 159 Hummock Pond Road (Land Bank Employee Housing)
The Land Bank is exploring reuse options for two incoming units to complement existing housing on-site:
- One building, built around 1940 and considered historically significant, will be preserved and repurposed.
- A separate one‑bedroom unit will be detached from its original main structure and placed on a new foundation.
- Both units will sit on full foundations, creating additional living space.
- The one‑bedroom will also include a basement apartment with a separate entrance, adding more flexibility to the property.
Plans for 158 Madaket Road (Affordable Housing Trust)
The Affordable Housing Trust will:
- Create two permanently income restricted ownership units for households up to 150% AMI‑restricted ownership units and one permanently income restricted ownership unit up to 240% AMI.
- Provide attainable homeownership opportunities for middle income residents‑income residents
- Address critical gaps in Nantucket’s housing inventory
The Nantucket Land Bank will also purchase a Conservation Restriction (CR) on a portion of the property (up to $750,000), ensuring that designated land remains protected for its ecological value and natural resources.
Learn more about conservation restrictions from the Nantucket Land and Water Council’s program.
Project Timeline
April 2026
• Project kickoff; site work begins at 41 Jefferson Ave for structure relocation
March–May 2026
• 158 Madaket Road: Property acquisition closing and Town led site preparation‑led site preparation
May–June 2026
• Move off and move on phases for all structures‑off and move‑on phases for all structures
December 2026
• All house moves fully completed