Cambridge Investment with Multiple Development Paths
Set in one of Cambridge’s most transit-connected neighborhoods, 49 Clifton Street combines immediate rental income with flexible development upside. Review the current financials, study three architectural concepts, and evaluate what’s possible on this 6,004 square foot site.
Options Worth Exploring
About 49 Clifton
49 Clifton Street is a 12-bedroom, 6-bathroom four-unit multi-family on a 6,004 square foot lot with 3 off-street parking spaces. Residents enjoy instant access to Russell Field, Linear Path, the Minuteman Bike Path, Fresh Pond, Porter Square, Davis Square, Harvard Square, Routes 2 and 16, and direct neighborhood access to Alewife Station. The property brings in $11,350 per month and includes one AHA unit and one CHA unit.
The seller also owns 41 Clifton Street, the matching four-unit building directly next door. Buyers interested in assembling both properties are welcome to explore that option, as the two sites together unlock larger and more flexible development paths than either parcel offers on its own.
Property Details
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Address: 49 Clifton Street, Cambridge, MA 02140
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List Price: $2,500,000
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Property Type: 4-Unit Multi-Family
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Total Bedrooms: 12
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Total Bathrooms: 6
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Living Area: 4,266 sq ft (above grade)
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Lot Size: 6,004 sq ft
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Parking: 3 off-street spaces
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Monthly Rent: $11,350
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Disclosures: Unit 51A is AHA, Unit 49A is CHA
Current Units
Total monthly rent comes in at $11,350.
First Unit
Unit 49 is a 2 bed 1 bath rented for $2,475.
Second Unit
Unit 49A is a 4 bed 2 bath rented for $3,200.
Third Unit
Unit 51 is a 4 bed 2 bath rented for $3,400.
Fourth Unit
Unit 51A is a 2 bed 1 bath rented for $2,275.
Development Options
A
4-Unit Luxury Townhouse Development
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Zoning: Residential C-1 compliant
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Gross Area: ≈ 11,200 SF
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Unit Count: 4 new townhouses
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Unit Layouts:
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Unit 1 | 4 bed 3.5 bath ≈ 2,205 SF
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Unit 2 | 4 bed 3 bath≈ 2,050 SF
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Unit 3 | 4 bed 3.5 bath≈ 3,614 SF
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Unit 4 | 4 bed 3.5 bath≈ 3,232 SF
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Parking: 4 spaces
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1 per unit, Unit 4 includes a garage space
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Notes: Remains under 10,000 sq ft Inclusionary threshold and 12,000 sq ft Passive House threshold.
B
Retain & Additions
Development
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Concept: Retain existing structurs and add rear and vertical additions
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Gross Area: ≈ 11,970 SF
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Unit Count: 6 units total
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Unit Size: ≈ 870 to 1,100 SF on upper levels with shared amenities and roof decks
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Parking: 6 rear spaces via shared driveway plus underground transformer area
Notes: Maintains current driveway alignment with a required 5 ft setback; lower-level units may be removed if converted to parking.
C
High-Density
Development*
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Concept: One combined 6-story building across both lots
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Gross Area: ≈ 57,200 SF
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Unit Count: 62 units
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Mix: ≈ 56.5% studios, 13% 1-beds, and 30.5% 2-beds
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Parking: 16 ground-floor spaces plus bike parking for 64 bikes
Notes: Requires 20 percent inclusionary housing and mandatory Passive House construction; no parking required by code.
*ATTN: This proposal only works if both lots (41 & 49 Clifton) are purchased instead of only 49 Clifton, which would change the price significantly.
Exterior Photo Gallery
Interior Photo Gallery
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200 University Rd Suite 500
Cambridge, MA 021
617-858-5475
