610 Franklin Street

Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139

$1,625,000

Wonderful two-family gem, set on a leafy one-way street around the corner from historic Harvard Square, the Charles River, and renown eateries and local hangouts! This lovely 11-room home in the much sought-after Riverside neighborhood, is anchored by amazing outdoor spaces—a landscaped rear yard with garden blooms from early spring to late fall of flowering cherry, apple and magnolia trees, bulbs and bluebells, and a massive roof deck on the top floor to watch the stars.  The interior is classic turn of the century with high ceilings and warm oak hardwood floors, consisting of three levels of living and a full basement. This home is solid with great bones and has been lovingly maintained. Use as a two-family, 4-room/1+ bedroom on the 1st floor, and 7-room/3+ bedroom on the upper floors, or convert back to a single family that you can customize and design to fit your needs. A bike commuter’s dream location and minutes from many modes of public transportation. And for those with cars, there are usually rental and garage purchase options nearby.  This one won’t last!

Property Details

4 bedrooms

2.5 bathrooms

+ 2,350 SF

Virtual Tour: 1st Floor

Virtual Tour: 2nd & 3rd Floors

 
 

Showing Information

Showings are by appointment only


In an effort to follow COVID-19 protocols, please refer to the following showing instructions:

  • Please view the virtual tour and review all property information prior to scheduling a showing.

  • All visitors please wear masks and socially distance while in and on the property.

  • Visitors will be asked to use hand sanitizer or be given a fresh pair of gloves before entering the property.

  • Bathroom facilities may not be used.

  • All discussions about the property to take place outside so as to keep the interior visits as brief as possible.

Additional Information:

Unit Details

  • Two-Family

  • 11 Rooms, 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bath

  • Year Built: 1886

  • Living Area: + 2,350 Sq Ft

  • Lot Size: +2,420 Sq Ft

 

Interior

  • 2,350 sf total of living space on 3 levels with 998 sq ft of unfinished basement

    • Unit 1, 1st floor, one level of living, 1 bedroom, 1 study, 1 full bath

    • Unit 2, 2nd and 3rd floor, two levels of living, 3 bedrooms, 1 study, 1.5 baths

  • Kitchens and baths were renovated in 2004.

Unit 1

  • As you walk into unit 1, there’s a welcoming foyer that is large enough to be used as a mudroom with a deep coat and storage closet.

  • The floor plan is very flexible and can accommodate many living and work from home scenarios.  The largest room, 15 ft x 18 ft, has an original ceiling medallion and a bay window and is spacious enough to be a combination main bedroom, sitting room and home office or grand living room.  It was previously used as the Owner’s artist studio, hence the sink that was used to clean the artist’s brushes.

  • There’s a bright and sunny living room with a closet, anchored by two tall windows.  If you like to entertain and want a dedicated dining room, this would be the perfect space for it.

  • Off of this room is a flexible alcove with two windows, ideal for a home office or can be used as a bedroom.

  • The eat-in kitchen features a Frigidaire Gallery gas stove, an Amana dishwasher, a Summit refrigerator, and custom-built pine shelves, drawers and cabinets, some with glass doors.

  • Bathroom is finished with rustic Italian tiles with a combination tub and shower with a tile surround, a built-in shelf and a vanity.

  • There’s easy access to the spectacular private fenced landscaped yard through the back hall which also has the entrance to the basement.

Unit 2

  • Unit 2 gets wonderful afternoon light and has an open breezy feel with glass French doors throughout and oak hardwood floors.

  • Upon entering the unit, there’s a landing at the top of the stairs, straight ahead is the 1st bedroom, and around to the right is an office/bonus room which has a closet.

  • The living room has 3 large windows, a drum light fixture, and 2 built-in cabinets as you enter into the dining room.

  • The dining room has 2 large windows, a drum light fixture and leads into the kitchen.

  • The eat-in kitchen has custom cherry cabinets, some with glass doors, and an abundance of open shelving. There is an Amana refrigerator with a bottom freezer (new in 2019), a Magic Chef gas stove, a Maytag dishwasher, a GE microwave and an Aqua-Pure water filter below the sink. A generous pantry closet provides extra storage for this delightful kitchen.  The skylight above opens onto the roof deck and a ship’s ladder could be installed to provide access.

  • Off of the kitchen is the full bathroom, which has an original clawfoot tub, a wonderful tiled shower and an original pedestal sink.

  • A central staircase leads to the 3rd floor which has two rooms, both with painted wood floors and closets.  The one on the left has its own ½ bath (new in 2019) and opens to the spacious roof deck. The one on the right has charming angled ceilings and the Owners used it as their main bedroom. Both rooms have access to the eaves for excellent storage.

Basement and Systems

  • 998 sq ft unfinished basement:

    • sump pump with back-up.

    • 2017 dehumidifier.

    • 2009 updates: new concrete floor, painted walls, and installed French drain system.

  • Laundry: Maytag front-loading washer (new in 2019) and an Amana electric dryer.

  • Heating:

    • Unit 1, 2003 Peerless gas-fired cast iron forced hot water boiler through baseboards. Note that there is a radiator in the front room that is connected to the 2nd floor apartment. The current Owners used this room and rented the remaining rooms to Tenants.

    • Unit 2, 2015 Burnham gas-fired steam boiler through radiators.

  • Cooling: there is a Fujitsu split ductless system with central air and heating for each apartment. The 1st floor has one unit and the upper apartment has 2 units. These systems were installed in 2019.

  • Hot water:

    • Unit 1, 40 gallon gas-fired Rheem tank (2018).

    • Unit 2, 40-gallon gas-fired Bradford White tank (2014).

  • Electrical: 100 amps per apartment through circuit breakers (Note: the connection from the street to the pole was updated in 2019).

 

Exterior

  • Roof: 2014 asphalt shingles.

  • Yard: 2,420 sq ft lot, private fenced landscaped yard with an automated Hunter automatic irrigation system.  The garden blooms from early spring to late fall with flowering cherry, apple and magnolia trees.  The apple tree has edible apples in the Macintosh family in late summer.

  • Roof deck:  2019 waterproofed and fire escape added in 2017.

  • Siding: Painted cement asbestos shingles.

  • Windows: Original windows with storms.

  • Bicycle rack: new in 2019.

Taxes: $7,129.44 FY20 without Residential Exemption. If the house were owner-occupied, taxes would be reduced by $2,365 once the exemption is applied for.

Parking: Once offer is accepted, options for rental parking and garage parking purchase (for $50,000) will be provided upon request.  There is no guarantee that these will be available.