Massachusetts Ave Development Portfolio 2 Properties in Cambridge, MA
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
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.
896-898 Massachusetts Avenue: C-2B zoning
52 Hancock Street: C-1 zoning
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.
896-898 Massachusetts Avenue: C-2B zoning
52 Hancock Street: C-1 zoning
PROPERTY FACTS
PROPERTIES
| PROPERTY NAME / ADDRESS | PROPERTY TYPE | SIZE | YEAR BUILT | INDIVIDUAL PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 896-898 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139 | Multifamily | 12,893 SF | 1920 | - |
| 52 Hancock St, Cambridge, MA 02139 | Land | 0.08 AC | - | - |
SALE ADVISORS
SALE ADVISORS
Anthony Coppola, Sales Associate
(617) 719-3405
Contact
Anthony Coppola is an accomplished real estate professional with extensive experience in both commercial and residential brokerage throughout Massachusetts. As a member of Coldwell Banker Realty, he has earned the prestigious International President’s Elite Award, recognizing his outstanding sales performance and commitment to client success. Known for his deep market knowledge, strategic approach, and dedication to delivering results, Anthony provides expert guidance to buyers, sellers, and investors across the region. Whether navigating complex commercial transactions or helping families find their ideal home, he brings a high level of professionalism and personalized service to every client interaction.
Sonya Sullivan, Sales Associate
(781) 640-0455
Contact
Sonya Sullivan has been an active member of the Greater Boston community, and is excited to be turning that community focus toward real estate. Sonya grew up in Watertown, speaks Armenian, and has been living in Waltham for the last 29 years. She loves living in Waltham with its rich history, great restaurants, and diverse community. She has a great knowledge of the surrounding towns and there is no other place she would rather live, work and raise a family.
As a proud member of the Coldwell Banker family, Sonya carries the values of hard work, integrity, and outstanding client service into everything she does. Buying or selling real estate is an important transaction, and can be a complex and emotional process. Sonya prides herself on her ability to listen to her clients’ requests and connect them with opportunities that best match their needs. Every client is unique and has different real estate needs. Sonya helps clients navigate the challenging home buying and selling process. Whether you’re buying your first home or seeking that dream retirement residence, the experience should be seamless. As a homeowner herself, Sonya understands that you’re not just looking for a place to live, but a place to make lasting memories.
Buying or selling a property is one of the biggest investments you make in life. You need a realtor that you can trust that will put your needs first. Sonya is a positive, enthusiastic, and trustworthy real estate professional. She provides that personal touch and welcomes the opportunity to guide you through your home buying or selling journey. Sonya wants to get to know you and become your lifetime realtor.
When she’s not busy helping clients, Sonya enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, gardening, and fishing. If you’d like to learn more about how we can work together, please call or text her anytime!
As a proud member of the Coldwell Banker family, Sonya carries the values of hard work, integrity, and outstanding client service into everything she does. Buying or selling real estate is an important transaction, and can be a complex and emotional process. Sonya prides herself on her ability to listen to her clients’ requests and connect them with opportunities that best match their needs. Every client is unique and has different real estate needs. Sonya helps clients navigate the challenging home buying and selling process. Whether you’re buying your first home or seeking that dream retirement residence, the experience should be seamless. As a homeowner herself, Sonya understands that you’re not just looking for a place to live, but a place to make lasting memories.
Buying or selling a property is one of the biggest investments you make in life. You need a realtor that you can trust that will put your needs first. Sonya is a positive, enthusiastic, and trustworthy real estate professional. She provides that personal touch and welcomes the opportunity to guide you through your home buying or selling journey. Sonya wants to get to know you and become your lifetime realtor.
When she’s not busy helping clients, Sonya enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, gardening, and fishing. If you’d like to learn more about how we can work together, please call or text her anytime!
