About us
A Cambridge property management firm, since 2008
Eleanor Caldwell and her father, Henry, started Northwind in 2008 with four buildings in Cambridgeport. Theo joined as a co-principal in 2014.
Henry Caldwell spent thirty years as a contractor in Cambridge before he and his daughter Eleanor started Northwind during the 2008 downturn. Their first portfolio was four pre-war buildings around Magazine Street that needed work. The pitch to owners was simple: they'd live with the buildings, not just collect a check.
Seventeen years later, the firm manages around eighty units across Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, and Allston/Brighton. Henry semi-retired in 2019; Eleanor and Theo Bergstrom run day-to-day operations now. Priya manages our resident services team.
Northwind is small on purpose. We've turned down management contracts that would have pushed us past 100 doors because past that point we wouldn't know every building. Most of our residents stay three years or more. Most of our owners have been with us for over a decade.
80
Units managed
4
Neighborhoods
91%
Renewal rate
17 yrs
In business
Principles
How we work
I.
Requirements upfront
We disclose the credit minimum, income multiple, and pet policy on every listing. Boston application fees aren't refundable elsewhere — ours are, if we deny without a full review.
II.
Long renewals beat fast turnover
A resident who renews twice is worth more than three new leases. We price modestly at renewal and fix what needs fixing.
III.
Local presence
Our office is on Mass Ave between Central and Harvard. Eleanor lives in Cambridgeport. Theo lives in Somerville. We walk past most of these buildings on weekends.
IV.
Listed rent is what you pay
No surprise amenity fees. No move-in junk charges. The rent on the listing is the rent on the lease.
V.
Pet-friendly where the building allows
About sixty of our eighty units accept pets. Flat $40/month pet rent, no per-pet stacking, no breed restrictions, no weight limits.
VI.
Quick on maintenance
Emergency calls are answered live, 24/7. Routine work orders are scheduled within forty-eight hours — usually inside one business day.
People
The team
Three principals, a resident-services lead, and a long-standing maintenance partnership with Charles River Trades.
Eleanor Caldwell
Co-founder, Principal
Theo Bergstrom
Principal, Operations
Priya Raman
Resident Services Lead
Henry Caldwell
Co-founder (semi-retired)
Priya Shah
Property Manager
Jordan Lee
Owner Relations
I've rented in Cambridge for twelve years across four landlords. Northwind is the first one that called me back the same day on a heating problem in February. Renewing again this spring.
Get in touch
Renters, residents, owners.
Whatever brought you here, we'll get you to the right person.