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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

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

Property Facts

Sale Conditions
Bulk/Portfolio Sale
  • Redevelopment Project
Sale Type Investment
Status Active
Number of Properties 2
Individually For Sale 0
Total Building Size 12,893 SF
Total Land Area 0.31 AC

Properties

Property Name / Address Property Type Size Year Built Individual Price
52 Hancock St, Cambridge, MA 02139 Land 0.08 AC - -
896-898 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139 Multifamily 12,893 SF 1920 -
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  • Listing ID: 35379088

  • Date on Market: 2025-04-04

  • Last Updated:

  • Address: Massachusetts Ave Development Portfolio, Cambridge, MA

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