Those who want to build in Cambridge should not be faint of heart. Since the mid 1900s, Institute affiliates have sought to create affordable housing near campus to benefit members of the MIT community by taking advantage of the convenience of the surrounding area. Despite the interest of various MIT members, few projects have come to fruition — until now.

Construction has begun on 303 Third Street near Kendall Square, the site that will house MIT's University Residential Community, the result of over four years of planning by various members of the MIT community to provide affordable housing to those with institutional affiliations close to campus.