ADU Showcase

We’re demonstrating what’s possible with the use of prefabricated construction in terms of providing cost, design, and quality predictability for Accessory Dwelling Units.

BaCKGROUND

While there's strong policy support and resources for homeowners to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Boston (as well as internal efforts to radically simplify the process to permit an ADU), unknowns about the cost and feasibility of designing, permitting, and constructing ADUs is hindering their potential to meaningfully add to Boston’s housing stock.

oUR hYPOTHESIS

We suspect that the ability for Boston homeowners to select an “off-the-shelf,” prefabricated model that meets Boston’s design, building, and permitting requirements would drastically reduce the unknown variables that can deter homeowners from even starting an ADU project.

The Showcase

Beginning on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, through Sunday, May 17, 2026, Boston’s City Hall will have its very own prefabricated ADU! Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the ADU between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on each day of the showcase, and at 12 p.m. each day, City staff will host a one-hour informational workshop about designing, financing, and permitting ADUs in the City of Boston.