160 Sidney Street – Cambridge, MA
Premier Development Opportunity in Cambridgeport
Unlock the full potential of 160 Sidney Street, a strategically located asset in one of the most supply-constrained and innovation-driven submarkets in the country. An asset which has not been available for sixty plus years and is for sale directly by the owner. This sale is not a land lease. Positioned between Kendall Square and Central Square, this site offers a rare opportunity to capitalize on Cambridge’s ongoing evolution toward high-density residential and mixed-use development. Surrounded by MIT’s campus. The lot is currently comprised of two free-standing buildings which are 160 & 162 Sidney St; together they are considered to be a plot called 166 Sidney St which can be viewed more easily by looking at the City of Cambridge Block Map within the pictures.
Potential Uses:
• Multifamily rental (market-rate or mixed-income)
• Condominium development
• Student or institutional housing
• Boutique life science / residential hybrid (subject to permitting)
• Great Owner-User potential (Currently newly rehabbed office space. 100% renovated and completed in 2023; formerly used by a public life science group as their executive offices)
Development Highlights:
• Zoning Flexibility: Favorable zoning framework supports residential conversion, multifamily redevelopment, or potential mixed-use configuration (subject to approvals).
• Scale & Density: Opportunity to have a total of 80-100 residential units across six stories; as of right with the new Cambridge zoning initiative
• Private Way Access: The property includes a private way on Merriam St which is shared with MIT.
• Transit-Oriented Location: Walkable to the Red Line, MIT, and major employment hubs, supporting premium rents and long-term demand.
• Conversion Opportunity: Ideal candidate for office-to-residential conversion, aligning with shifting demand trends and city-backed housing initiatives.
• Institutional Demand Drivers: Immediate proximity to world-class employers, research institutions, and a highly educated renter base.
160 Sidney Street presents a compelling opportunity to deliver new housing in a market defined by chronic undersupply and resilient demand. Developers can leverage the existing footprint while exploring density enhancements to maximize yield. With Cambridge continuing to prioritize residential growth, this site is well-positioned to benefit from both policy tailwinds and enduring market fundamentals.
Pricing details available upon request. The property is for sale directly by owner.