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 Experiment

Through this Request for Proposals (RFP), we’re looking for vendors with the skills and capacity to transport, deliver and stage a model of a detached ADU on Boston City Hall Plaza for a one week showcase in May 2026.

Responses to the RFP are due by 4:00 PM on February 17, 2026.

To access the RFP, please visit the City’s Supplier Portal.

Four illustrations of different ADU options on a blue gradient background.