Designing Housing Solutions with Heart in Wellfleet

When the Town of Wellfleet made the bold move to purchase Maurice’s Campground—a rare and expansive 21-acre property in this beloved Cape Cod town—it wasn’t just about acquiring land. It was about responding to a growing crisis in a seasonal resort community where housing has become increasingly out of reach for the very people who keep the town running.

Studio G Architects, with their deep architectural creativity and long-standing ties to Wellfleet, was selected as the prime consultant to lead a visionary yet practical master planning effort. Their team brought fresh thinking and a grounded understanding of place to help the Town imagine what’s possible.

JM Goldson joined the effort as a key partner, leading community engagement and housing strategy. Our charge was to ensure that all voices—especially those most impacted by the housing shortage—had a meaningful seat at the table. We created an inclusive process that helped bridge perspectives, elevate underheard voices, and build consensus around reasonable, community-rooted solutions.

Together with Studio G and the Town, we explored the urgency of the housing need: year-round residents, including seniors and young families, are struggling to stay. Seasonal workers, essential to the local economy, often have nowhere to live. Through focus groups, interviews, and lively community forums, we heard a clear message: think big, but honor the land and community.

Ideas took shape quickly—diverse housing options, both rental and ownership, a mix of income levels, and a village-style layout that includes shared spaces, preserved woodlands, an expanded market, and outdoor recreation areas for all ages. Community members emphasized the need for housing that serves not only year-round residents, but also employees—especially seasonal workers—who are essential to the town’s economy yet often priced out of the community.

JM Goldson paired community insights with regional housing analysis, zoning recommendations, and procurement strategies to help the Town move from bold ideas to tangible action.

This project exemplifies what happens when architectural vision, thoughtful engagement, and community values come together. The future of Maurice’s Campground is still unfolding—but it’s on track to become a model for how small towns can meet big challenges with creativity, compassion, and collaboration.