A Southborough developer seeks to test the market for apartments as small as 247 square feet in Cambridge’s Central Square.

The proposed redevelopment at 544 Massachusetts Ave. includes a nearly 10,000-square-foot expansion of the 3-story building originally constructed in 1822, adding three stories to accommodate a total of 29 apartments. Designs by Cambridge-based architects Carr, Lynch and Sandell Inc. call for apartments ranging from 247 to 516 square feet.

In an application submitted to the Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeal, Southborough-based Central Square Redevelopment stated there is “substantial demand for this smaller scale and less expensive housing in Central Square.” The development would reduce pressure on larger apartments in the neighborhood, developer Clifford J. Schorer III stated in the document seeking a variance and special permit.

No changes to the existing building’s exterior are planned, and the project would not improve and “obsolete structure” while preventing displacement of local retailers, the application stated. Ground-floor tenants include Five Spice Cafe and Teddy Shoes.

Central Square Redevelopment acquired the property in August 2018 for $2.3 million, according to Middlesex County Registry of Deeds records.