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Investment Highlights

  • 896-898 Massachusetts Avenue and 52 Hancock Street offer a prime development opportunity with updated zoning between Harvard and Central Squares.
  • Located just a five-minute walk to the Harvard MBTA Red Line station, offering exceptional transit access throughout Cambridge and Greater Boston.
  • Surrounded by 237,500 residents within 2 miles and an average household income above $130,500, supporting sustained, long-term rental demand.
  • Zoning now permits up to 75 feet or approximately six stories of new residential construction, with the potential for a separate four-story building.
  • Positioned in the Harvard-MIT submarket, a high-demand rental corridor with strong demographics and one of the lowest vacancy rates in the country.
  • Current residential leases expire in August, transitioning to tenant-at-will status, supporting a smooth development timeline with minimal disruption.

Executive Summary

Seize this rare opportunity to acquire a prime mixed-use property in the heart of Cambridge, MA. Perfectly positioned for developers and builders, this property offers immense potential for residential, commercial, or mixed-use projects. 898 Massachusetts Avenue is perfectly positioned between Cambridge's Harvard and Central Squares, offering residents a plethora of dining, shopping, and entertainment options within walking distance. The Harvard MBTA red line station is only a five-minute walk away, ensuring easy commuting throughout Cambridge and Greater Boston. Don't miss out on this exceptional development opportunity in one of Massachusetts' most vibrant and sought-after locations. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a viewing.
896–898 Massachusetts Avenue and 52 Hancock Street present an unmatched multi-tenant redevelopment opportunity in the heart of Cambridge, Massachusetts. Situated between Harvard Square and Central Square, this property includes a mixed-use building with two retail storefronts, 10 apartment units, and 19 parking spaces, along with a separate 3,600-square-foot parcel at 52 Hancock Street that provides nine off-street parking spaces and additional development potential.

The existing structure at 898 Massachusetts Avenue may be razed for new construction. Recent zoning changes allow for a residential building up to 75 feet in height, or approximately six stories, creating a valuable opportunity for density in a submarket where demand for housing remains consistently strong. With residential leases converting to tenant-at-will status at the end of August, developers can benefit from a smooth and timely transition into the redevelopment phase.

52 Hancock Street, the adjacent parcel, offers added flexibility and may support a separate building up to four stories in height. Both sites are walkable to Harvard University, MIT, the Red Line MBTA station, and various restaurants, shops, and cultural venues. The Harvard-MIT submarket represents one of the lowest vacancy rates in the nation, driven by affluent young professionals and a mix of university, life science, and tech-sector demand.

This development site sits at the center of a thriving, high-income rental market. A local population of approximately 237,500 residents lives within 2 miles, representing an average household income exceeding $130,500 annually. Don't miss the opportunity to deliver new housing in a proven growth corridor where zoning, access, and demand align for long-term success.

Property Facts

Sale Type Investment
No. Lots 1
Property Type Land
Property Subtype Commercial
Proposed Use
Commercial
  • Multifamily
  • Apartment Units
Total Lot Size 0.31 AC
No. Stories 3
Zoning C-2B - Stores & Residential

1 Lot Available

Lot

Lot Size 0.31 AC

Two parcels offered for sale. 896-898 Massachusetts Ave is 9,806 SF and 52 Hancock Street is 3,584 SF.

Exceptionally walkable
100/100
Moderately drivable
60/100
Exceptional public transit
90/100
Exceptionally bikeable
90/100

Property Taxes

Property Taxes

Parcel Number
CAMB-000119-000000-000004
Land Assessment
$2,080,000
Improvements Assessment
$1,330,700
Total Assessment
$3,410,700
  • Listing ID: 35379330

  • Date on Market: 4/4/2025

  • Last Updated:

  • Address: 896-898 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

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