This Cambridge, Massachusetts address denotes a specific location on Memorial Drive, a scenic roadway along the Charles River. It signifies a particular property, likely a building or complex, distinguished by its civic number. Understanding this address requires appreciating its components: a numerical designation, street name, city, and state. This precise identification allows for accurate location and navigation.
The significance of a particular address stems from its association with the activities and history occurring at that site. Properties on Memorial Drive, given their prominent location, often hold historical, cultural, or commercial importance within Cambridge. The specific uses, past and present, of this site contribute to its overall relevance. Furthermore, proximity to the Charles River and other Cambridge landmarks likely enhances its desirability and value.
Further exploration might delve into specific details regarding the current occupants, historical usage, architectural style, and surrounding community. Examining these aspects provides a richer understanding of the location’s unique characteristics and contributions to the urban landscape.
1. Location
Location plays a crucial role in defining and understanding “808 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA.” This address represents a specific point in geographical space, and its meaning derives directly from its location. Without a precise location, the address loses its significance. Consider the difference between a generic street address and a specific one: “Memorial Drive” indicates a street, but “808 Memorial Drive” pinpoints a particular property along that street. This specificity allows for unambiguous identification, enabling various essential functions.
The importance of location is further amplified by the context of Cambridge, MA. This city’s vibrant academic, technological, and cultural landscape adds another layer of significance to the address. Being situated on Memorial Drive, a prominent roadway along the Charles River, enhances the location’s desirability. Proximity to universities, businesses, and recreational areas influences property values and shapes the character of the surrounding community. For instance, businesses benefit from the address’s visibility and accessibility, while residents gain from convenient access to amenities and transportation.
In conclusion, the significance of “808 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA” hinges on its specific location. This address functions as more than just a string of characters; it represents a tangible place within a dynamic urban environment. Understanding the interplay between location and address is crucial for navigation, property identification, and appreciating the unique attributes associated with a particular site. This understanding facilitates various practical applications, from real estate transactions to emergency services and urban planning.
2. Address
Address denotes a location identifier, typically used for buildings or properties within a structured system. “808 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA” exemplifies this concept. It functions as a specific address, providing a precise location within the established framework of street names, city designations, and state abbreviations. The address functions as a critical component for various purposes, including mail delivery, navigation, emergency services dispatch, and property identification. Without a standardized address system, locating specific places becomes significantly more challenging, hindering essential services and communication.
Consider the practical implications: emergency responders rely on accurate addresses to reach those in need quickly. Delivery services utilize addresses to ensure packages reach their intended recipients. Real estate transactions depend on precise address identification for legal documentation and property valuation. The absence of a clear address, or an incorrectly formatted one, can lead to delays, confusion, and potentially life-threatening situations. For instance, a misplaced digit in an address could send an ambulance to the wrong location, delaying critical medical care.
In summary, “808 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA” illustrates the practical significance of the concept of “address.” This seemingly simple combination of numbers and words represents a crucial element within a complex system enabling efficient location identification. Standardized addresses facilitate numerous essential functions within society, underscoring the importance of accuracy and proper formatting. Challenges such as inconsistencies in addressing systems or the rise of digital navigation highlight the ongoing need for refinement and adaptation in location identification methodologies.
3. Cambridge, MA
“Cambridge, MA” provides the geographical context for “808 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA,” specifying the city within which this particular address exists. Understanding Cambridge’s characteristicsits history, culture, and urban layoutis crucial for a complete understanding of the address’s significance. Cambridge is not merely a backdrop; its unique attributes contribute to the identity and value of properties within its boundaries.
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Municipal Services and Governance
Cambridge’s municipal government plays a crucial role in maintaining infrastructure, providing public services (such as schools, libraries, and emergency services), and shaping local regulations. These services directly impact residents and businesses at “808 Memorial Drive” and influence property values. For example, the quality of local schools can significantly affect the desirability of a residential address.
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Economic and Cultural Landscape
Cambridge’s robust economy, driven by renowned universities and a thriving technology sector, influences property values and the types of businesses operating in the area. The city’s cultural vibrancy, including museums, theaters, and music venues, contributes to its attractiveness as a residential and business location. This vibrant environment adds value to an address like “808 Memorial Drive,” impacting its desirability and market value.
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Transportation Infrastructure
Cambridge’s public transportation system, including subway lines and bus routes, affects accessibility and convenience for residents and businesses. Proximity to major roadways and public transportation hubs influences property values and impacts commuting patterns for those living or working at a specific address. “808 Memorial Drive’s” accessibility via various transportation modes directly affects its value and practicality.
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Historical and Architectural Context
Cambridge’s rich history and diverse architectural styles influence the character of its neighborhoods. Historic districts and landmark buildings contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal and cultural significance of specific locations. Understanding Cambridge’s historical context provides insights into the potential historical significance of a specific address like “808 Memorial Drive,” adding depth to its identity.
These facets demonstrate that “Cambridge, MA” is more than just a geographical designation within the address “808 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA.” It represents a complex urban environment with its own distinct characteristics, which directly influence the significance and value of properties within its boundaries. Understanding these interconnected elements provides a more comprehensive perspective on the meaning and importance of this specific address.
4. Memorial Drive
“Memorial Drive” signifies more than just a street name within the address “808 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA.” It represents a specific location along a historically and geographically significant roadway, shaping the address’s context and influencing its characteristics. Understanding Memorial Drive’s attributesits history, function, and relationship to the surrounding environmentis crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the address itself.
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Commemorative Significance
Memorial Drive’s name commemorates Massachusetts residents who served in World War I. This historical context imbues the street with a solemn significance, distinguishing it from other roadways. This commemorative aspect contributes to the area’s identity and provides a sense of place for residents and visitors. Properties along Memorial Drive, including 808, inherit this historical association.
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Riverfront Location and Scenic Views
Situated along the Charles River, Memorial Drive offers scenic views and recreational opportunities. This prime location contributes to the desirability of properties along the street, influencing their value and attracting residents and businesses. The riverfront location enhances the quality of life for those living or working at 808 Memorial Drive, providing access to green spaces and recreational activities.
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Transportation Artery and Accessibility
Memorial Drive functions as a major transportation artery, connecting different parts of Cambridge and providing access to Boston. This accessibility impacts commuting patterns and influences the types of businesses that thrive in the area. For 808 Memorial Drive, this translates to convenient access to transportation networks, enhancing its appeal for both residents and businesses.
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Community and Neighborhood Identity
Memorial Drive contributes to the identity of the surrounding neighborhoods. Its character, defined by a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, shapes the local community. This distinct neighborhood identity influences the experience of living or working at a specific address like 808 Memorial Drive, contributing to its overall appeal.
These facets demonstrate that “Memorial Drive” plays a significant role in defining “808 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA.” It provides not just a street name but a rich context encompassing historical significance, scenic beauty, transportation access, and community identity. Understanding these interconnected elements is crucial for a comprehensive appreciation of the address and its unique characteristics within the urban landscape of Cambridge.
5. Property Identification
“Property identification” denotes the process of uniquely distinguishing a specific parcel of real estate. “808 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA” serves as a precise identifier within this system, enabling clear and unambiguous reference to a particular property. This identification process is crucial for various legal, financial, and logistical functions related to real estate.
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Addressing and Location
The address itself”808 Memorial Drive”forms the primary identifier, pinpointing the property’s location within the established grid of streets and civic numbers. This precise location information is essential for navigation, mail delivery, emergency services, and other location-dependent activities. Without a unique address, distinguishing this specific property from others along Memorial Drive or within Cambridge would be impossible. For example, in a real estate transaction, the address is essential for accurately identifying the property being bought or sold.
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Parcel and Lot Numbers
Beyond the street address, properties are further identified by parcel or lot numbers assigned by municipal authorities. These numbers provide a more granular level of identification, often referencing specific plots of land within a larger area. These numbers are crucial for property tax assessment, land surveying, and legal documentation related to ownership and boundaries. While less commonly used in everyday conversation, they are vital for official records and legal processes concerning the property at 808 Memorial Drive.
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Property Records and Deeds
Official property records, including deeds and titles, provide detailed legal descriptions and ownership history. These documents rely on precise identification methods, including the address and parcel/lot numbers, to ensure accurate and legally binding transactions. These records are essential for establishing ownership, resolving boundary disputes, and tracking the chain of title for the property at 808 Memorial Drive. They provide a crucial historical and legal framework for understanding the property’s ownership and associated rights.
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Mapping and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Modern mapping technologies and GIS utilize precise location data, including addresses, to visually represent and analyze property information. These systems enable accurate mapping, spatial analysis, and data visualization, facilitating urban planning, infrastructure management, and environmental monitoring. For “808 Memorial Drive,” GIS can provide valuable information about zoning regulations, floodplains, proximity to amenities, and other location-based data points, enriching understanding of the property’s context.
These interconnected elements of property identification demonstrate that “808 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA” represents more than just a physical location. It signifies a uniquely identifiable piece of real estate, subject to legal frameworks, ownership records, and spatial analysis within the broader urban context of Cambridge. Understanding these facets is crucial for navigating the complexities of real estate transactions, urban planning, and property management, highlighting the practical significance of accurate and consistent property identification systems.
6. Navigation
Navigation, the process of determining one’s position and planning a route to a desired destination, relies heavily on precise location identification. “808 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA” functions as a critical component within this navigational framework. This address provides the necessary information for various navigation methods, from traditional map reading to modern GPS systems. Without a clear and accurate address, navigating to this specific location becomes significantly more challenging, potentially leading to delays, confusion, and inefficiencies.
Consider the interplay between address and navigation in several scenarios: Emergency responders depend on accurate addresses for rapid response. A misplaced digit or an ambiguous street name can hinder their ability to reach a critical incident promptly. Delivery services rely on precise address information for efficient routing and package delivery. Incorrect addresses lead to misdeliveries, delays, and increased operational costs. Individuals navigating to unfamiliar locations benefit from accurate addresses, whether using printed maps, online mapping tools, or in-car navigation systems. An incorrect or incomplete address can lead to frustration, wasted time, and missed appointments. For instance, imagine trying to locate a business meeting at “808 Memorial Drive” without knowing the street’s location in Cambridge or having an incorrect address; the result would likely be a delayed arrival and a disrupted meeting.
The practical significance of “808 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA” within the context of navigation extends beyond individual journeys. Urban planning, infrastructure development, and disaster response all depend on accurate and reliable location data. Challenges such as addressing inconsistencies in rapidly developing areas or the limitations of GPS accuracy in dense urban environments highlight the ongoing need for robust addressing systems and sophisticated navigation technologies. Understanding the interconnectedness of address and navigation underscores the importance of accurate location information in facilitating efficient movement and enabling essential services within the complex urban landscape of Cambridge and beyond.
7. Civic Number 808
“Civic number 808” represents the specific building designation within the broader address “808 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA.” This numerical component plays a crucial role in pinpointing the exact location along Memorial Drive, distinguishing it from neighboring properties. Understanding the function and significance of civic numbers within addressing systems is essential for accurate navigation, property identification, and efficient service delivery.
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Distinguishing Properties Along a Street
Civic numbers provide a sequential system for identifying properties along a street. They differentiate individual buildings or lots, enabling clear communication and unambiguous location referencing. Without distinct civic numbers, locating a specific property like 808 Memorial Drive amidst a continuous row of buildings would be significantly more challenging. For example, emergency services rely on these numbers to pinpoint the correct location in response to a call.
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Aiding Navigation and Wayfinding
Civic numbers are essential for navigation, particularly in urban environments. They assist drivers, pedestrians, and delivery services in locating specific destinations. GPS systems and mapping applications rely on civic numbers to pinpoint addresses and calculate routes. Imagine searching for 808 Memorial Drive; the civic number 808 guides you to the precise location along the street, preventing confusion with neighboring properties.
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Facilitating Property Transactions and Records
In real estate, civic numbers form a crucial part of property identification. They appear in legal documents, property records, and tax assessments. This precise identification is essential for accurate property valuation, ownership verification, and legal transactions. For instance, a deed or title for 808 Memorial Drive will explicitly mention the civic number as part of the property’s legal description.
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Supporting Municipal Services and Infrastructure
Civic numbers are integral to municipal services, including utilities, waste management, and public safety. They enable targeted service delivery, infrastructure maintenance, and accurate record-keeping. For example, utility companies use civic numbers to identify specific service connections for billing and maintenance purposes at each property along Memorial Drive, including number 808.
In conclusion, “Civic number 808” forms a critical component of “808 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA,” enabling precise property identification and facilitating various essential functions. This seemingly simple numerical designation plays a significant role in navigation, property transactions, and municipal service delivery, underscoring the importance of structured addressing systems within urban environments. The interplay between civic numbers and street addresses ensures efficient communication and accurate location referencing, contributing to the smooth functioning of various aspects of urban life, from emergency services to real estate and daily navigation.
8. Physical Site
“808 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA” denotes more than just a point on a map; it represents a tangible physical site with specific characteristics. Understanding the physical attributes of this siteits size, structure, and relationship to the surrounding environmentprovides crucial context for interpreting the address’s significance. This understanding is essential for various purposes, ranging from urban planning and property valuation to historical preservation and environmental assessment.
The physical site encompasses the actual land and any structures located at 808 Memorial Drive. Its size and configuration influence its potential uses and value. The presence of buildings, landscaping, or other features shapes the site’s character and impacts its interaction with the surrounding area. For instance, a large building might house multiple businesses, while a smaller lot might accommodate a single-family dwelling. The site’s topography, soil conditions, and proximity to the Charles River can influence drainage, landscaping options, and susceptibility to flooding. Consider the implications for development: a sloped site might present challenges for construction but offer scenic river views, impacting design and property value. Similarly, the presence of mature trees or historical structures on the site can influence its aesthetic appeal and historical significance, impacting preservation efforts and potential development restrictions. For example, the discovery of archaeological artifacts during construction could necessitate modifications to project plans to protect historical resources.
In summary, the physical site associated with “808 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA” provides crucial context for understanding the address’s full significance. Its physical characteristics influence its potential uses, value, and interaction with the surrounding urban environment. Analyzing these physical attributes is essential for informed decision-making in various contexts, from property development and urban planning to environmental management and historical preservation. Neglecting the physical realities of a site can lead to unforeseen challenges and missed opportunities, highlighting the importance of incorporating physical site analysis into any comprehensive assessment of a property or address.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the property located at 808 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA. The information provided aims to offer a clear and concise understanding of key aspects related to this specific address.
Question 1: What is the current use of the property at 808 Memorial Drive?
Specific usage requires verification through official sources such as city records or property databases. General information may be available online through real estate listings or business directories.
Question 2: What is the historical significance, if any, of this location?
Historical information may be available through local historical societies, city archives, or online resources dedicated to Cambridge history. Researching past occupants, uses, and surrounding area developments can provide insights into the property’s historical context.
Question 3: What is the assessed value of the property?
Property assessments are typically public information accessible through the city assessor’s office or online databases. These records provide valuable insights into the property’s market value and tax liabilities.
Question 4: What are the zoning regulations that apply to this property?
Zoning information is available through the city planning department or online resources. Understanding zoning regulations is crucial for assessing potential development limitations or permitted uses of the property.
Question 5: What transportation options are available near 808 Memorial Drive?
Public transportation routes, proximity to major roadways, and access to bicycle paths or pedestrian walkways are factors influencing accessibility. Information can be obtained from local transportation authorities or online mapping services.
Question 6: What are the notable landmarks or points of interest near this location?
Nearby parks, businesses, cultural institutions, or historical sites contribute to the overall character of the area. Online maps, local directories, and tourism websites can provide information about nearby attractions and amenities.
Understanding these aspects provides a more comprehensive picture of the property at 808 Memorial Drive. Further inquiries should be directed to relevant authorities or specialized resources for detailed and up-to-date information.
Further sections might delve into specific details about the propertys history, ownership, or surrounding community.
Tips for Understanding a Specific Address
Navigating the complexities of addressing requires a structured approach. The following tips offer practical guidance for interpreting and utilizing address information effectively, using “808 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA” as an illustrative example.
Tip 1: Deconstruct the Address: Break down the address into its component parts: civic number, street name, city, and state. Each element contributes to the overall meaning and facilitates precise location identification. “808” signifies the specific property, “Memorial Drive” specifies the street, and “Cambridge, MA” provides the broader geographical context.
Tip 2: Utilize Mapping Tools: Leverage online mapping services and GPS technology for visualizing the location and exploring the surrounding area. These tools offer valuable insights into accessibility, proximity to amenities, and transportation options. Searching “808 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA” in a mapping application pinpoints the exact location and provides visual context.
Tip 3: Consult Official Records: Access official property records and city databases for detailed information about ownership, zoning regulations, assessed value, and historical context. These resources provide crucial insights for legal, financial, and historical research related to a specific property. City or county websites often provide access to property records.
Tip 4: Consider Contextual Information: Research the surrounding neighborhood, including demographics, local businesses, and community resources. This contextual information enriches understanding of the address’s significance and its integration within the broader urban environment. Local newspapers, community websites, and census data provide valuable contextual insights.
Tip 5: Verify Information Accuracy: Cross-reference information from multiple sources to ensure accuracy and reliability. Addressing errors or outdated information can lead to confusion and logistical challenges. Double-checking information from different sources enhances reliability.
Tip 6: Understand Addressing Conventions: Familiarize oneself with local addressing conventions and variations. Addressing systems can differ across regions, impacting interpretation and data entry. Awareness of local conventions prevents misinterpretations and ensures accurate communication.
Tip 7: Respect Privacy and Data Sensitivity: Handle address information responsibly, respecting privacy regulations and avoiding unauthorized dissemination. Address data can be sensitive and should be treated with appropriate care. Adhering to ethical data practices is crucial.
Applying these tips provides a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of address information, facilitating accurate navigation, informed decision-making, and efficient communication in various contexts. These practices enhance effective utilization of address data for practical purposes.
By understanding the intricacies of addressing, one gains valuable insights into the significance of specific locations within the urban landscape. This knowledge empowers informed decisions and facilitates effective communication regarding location-based information.
808 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA
Analysis of “808 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA” reveals the multifaceted nature of a seemingly simple address. Deconstructing its componentscivic number, street name, city, and stateilluminates its function as a precise location identifier within a complex urban system. Furthermore, exploration of Memorial Drive’s historical significance, the city of Cambridge’s vibrant context, and the importance of accurate property identification underscores the address’s rich layers of meaning. The address transcends mere geographical coordinates; it represents a tangible place with historical weight, community connections, and practical implications for navigation, property transactions, and civic services.
Accurate and comprehensive understanding of addresses like “808 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA” is crucial for effective communication, efficient navigation, and informed decision-making in various contexts, including urban planning, real estate, and historical preservation. Further investigation into specific aspects of this propertyits current usage, historical background, and surrounding communityoffers opportunities for deeper understanding and appreciation of its unique contribution to the urban fabric of Cambridge. This exploration underscores the importance of appreciating the intricate interplay between location, history, and community in shaping the identity of a place.
