Top Projects That Will Reshape Boston
Here are key developments that will change the metro’s skyline in the years to come.
This article was originally posted on September 6, 2023, and updated on May 21, 2025, to include the latest information available about each project.
Check out our other articles in the series to discover the top projects reshaping Seattle, Nashville, Miami, Phoenix, San Francisco, Tampa, Los Angeles, Austin and Queens.
Driven by its academic strength and economic vibrancy, Boston’s commercial real estate market reflects the city’s diversity and wide range of opportunities. Serving as an education and innovation hub, the metro is home to multiple large companies and startups, which all rely on the talent shaped by its prestigious research and science institutions such as Harvard and MIT.
Last year, Boston emerged as a standout market amid the office construction slowdown across the U.S. Boston led in office development with an 8.7 million-square-foot construction pipeline, primarily driven by the life science sector. Cambridge, Seaport Innovation District and Fenway were the three major hubs for new and ongoing construction. Additionally, although investment was slightly down, the market surpassed national rates due to high-quality office space transactions and major deals that cemented its status as a life science cluster.
And despite the temporary slowdown caused by the current economic uncertainty, an increasing number of investors and developers continue to bite into the metro’s life science boom, banking on Boston’s lasting appeal. Today, several major developments have the potential to transform the city’s neighborhoods, improving their walkability and redrawing their skylines. Commercial Property Executive looked closely at some of the top projects in Boston that could alter the metro’s urban landscape in the years to come.
1. Fenway Center
The 90,000-square-foot air rights deck over the Mass Pike reportedly is the largest air rights structure built in Boston in the past four decades. Image courtesy of IQHQ
What started as a high-rise, mixed-use project comprising multifamily and retail in the early 2000s, is now the largest campus under construction in Boston’s Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood. Fenway Center—the $1 billion project developed by life sciences REIT IQHQ Inc. and Meredith Management—was converted to a life science development in 2019. At full buildout, it will encompass almost 1 million square feet of office and lab space, as well as 10,000 square feet of ground-floor retail along Brookline Avenue and Beacon Street.
The first phase of the transit-oriented project was completed in 2020 by developer Gerding Edlen in a joint venture with Meredith Management and Nuveen Real Estate. Dubbed Bower, it includes an eight-story mid-rise and a 14-story tower totaling 312 units. Ullico Insurance Co. financed the construction with a $136.6 million loan in 2017 and four years later, JP Morgan Chase originated a $165 million permanent loan for the property, Yardi Matrix data shows.
In April 2021, the developers broke ground on Phase II of Fenway Center, designed by Gensler and SGA to connect two iconic Boston neighborhoods. Constructed on air rights over the Massachusetts Turnpike and subject to a 99-year unsubordinated net ground lease, the second phase of Fenway Center is set to encompass a 22-story tower and a 12-story office and lab space building, as well as an automated garage accessible to both buildings.
Fenway Center is also set to include 1.6 acres of landscaped green space called Progress Park: A Monument to Life Sciences and Public Health, as well as a large plaza and a 700-foot-long public pedestrian walkway. The park will be dedicated to art and history exhibitions featuring achievements, heroes and the impact of the life science and public health sector in the area.
“Fenway Center is designed to remind people how much fun it can be to come to work and be part of something special,” John Bonanno, chief development officer at IQHQ, told CPE. “Progress continues on Fenway Center, our transformative project that will anchor a new, state-of-art research district adjacent to Boston’s renowned Longwood Medical Area.”
Today, J.F. White is still working to complete the deck over the Massachusetts Turnpike. Once that’s finished, the developers will start vertical construction on the towers. The green space and buildings on deck will be constructed by follow-on contractor John Moriarty & Associates.
2. Winthrop Center
Reportedly the second-largest vertical development by square footage in the City of Boston history, Winthrop Center—Millennium Partners’ $1.4 billion project—has added more than 1.8 million square feet to the metro’s office, retail and residential supply. The developer broke ground on the tower in 2018 and recently wrapped up construction on 812,000 square feet of office space, 317 residential units and an underground parking.
The development benefitted from a $775 million loan in 2020 from Cale Street Partners, CommercialEdge data shows. According to Boston Planning and Development Agency documents, Millennium Partners spent a total of $152.8 million on the land and project participation price payments. Handel Architects designed the building, with Suffolk overseeing the construction of the tower. The developer worked with a team led by MIT Director of Environmental Solutions Initiative John Fernandez to create an energy-efficient design and Winthrop Center is now recognized as the largest Passive House office tower in the world.
Rising 62 stories, the skyscraper comprises two structures connected by glass walkways rising 690 and 579 feet, respectively. The Connector grand hall and adjacent park span 20,000 square feet of public space for dining, performances and concerts.
The residential component of the project comprises one- to three-bedroom floorplans, ranging from 781 to 2,369 square feet, a total of 56,000 square feet of amenity space, including two fitness clubs, a 75-foot indoor swimming pool, a game room and Club VIP, a 6,500-square-foot pet club for dogs. The Collective, a 24,000-square-foot meeting and coworking space on the third floor, encompasses a lounge with a coffee bar, conference rooms and a fitness center.
“Winthrop Center delivers amenities that will shape the future of living in downtown Boston,” said MP Boston Principal Richard Baumert. “This building’s impact will be felt through its dramatic energy savings and the vibrant experiences it creates in fitness and health, education, entertainment and cultural engagement.”
Several high-profile tenants are already occupying space at Winthrop Center. Leasing 138,000 square feet, Deloitte moved into the tower in November. Cambridge Associates and McKinsey occupy 115,000 and 95,000 square feet, respectively. In January 2024, Millennium Partners also inked a 39,000-square-foot lease with M&T Bank. As for the retail and dining component, Michelin-starred Chef John Fraser curated a selection of restaurants at the tower, including Ariana, IRIS Mezze, Gatto Pazzo, Big Grin and Day Shift.
3. South Station Tower
A 51-story tower will rise above the 1899-built South Station building. Image courtesy of Hines
A partnership between Boston Planning & Development Agency, Hines and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is working on the South Station Tower, which combines the redevelopment and extension of the South Station Transportation Center and the construction of a 51-story, 1 million-square-foot, mixed-use tower above the 1899-built South Station building.
“South Station Tower represents a transformative addition to Boston’s skyline and the region’s transportation infrastructure,” said Matthew Murray, managing director at Hines. “Anchored by the South Station transit hub, the project embodies a revitalized arrival to the city.”
The first phase of the project includes the 67 percent increase of the outdoor concourse area which covers the track and platforms, as well as the 50 percent expansion of the bus terminal, providing easier access to trains and subways.
The developers are currently working on Phase I of the South Station Tower which includes a 1 million-square-foot mixed-use tower. All images courtesy of Hines 
The tower is designed to achieve LEED Gold and WELL Gold certifications, as well as BREEAM Very Good rating. 
The partnership is increasing the outdoor concourse area by 67 percent.
The joint venture behind the project secured an $870 million loan for the redevelopment in early 2020. The developers are currently completing Phase I of South Station Tower, which will include 685,000 square feet of office space and 166 condos at the building’s top 16 floors. Recently, the condo component was branded as The Ritz-Carlton Residences, with prices varying from $1.3 million to $14 million.
“Through the delivery of the transit-oriented, high-end mixed-use tower, South Station Tower will emerge as a vibrant hub that energizes Boston,” believes Murray.
Hines partnered with Suffolk for the construction of the tower and Pelli Clarke & Partners for building design, aiming to achieve LEED Gold and WELL Gold certifications, as well as BREEAM Very Good rating. Amenities are set to include a private park with meeting spaces and a dining terrace, a fitness and wellness center and a terrace with swimming pool.
As of this spring, the domed atrium at the entryway has been completed. Hines also landed two major tenants at the upcoming tower. Law firm Jones Day signed a 15-year lease for two of its floors, totaling 41,000 square feet, while insurance company FM committed to a nearly 50,000-square-foot lease, with plans to move in later this year, once South Station Tower is completed.
4. Assembly Innovation Park
BioMed Realty recently opened the first phase of Assembly Innovation Park, adding 498,000 square feet to the metro’s life science pipeline. The developer broke ground on this phase of the project in January 2022, after landing a $514 million construction loan from United Overseas Bank. John Moriarty & Associates led construction, with Perkins & Will taking on design efforts.
“BioMed Realty’s Assembly Innovation Park incorporates world-class architecture, and sustainability and wellness features in an urban location,” Colleen O’Connor, senior vice president of leasing for the East Coast and U.K. markets of BioMed Realty, told CPE. “The development is well-suited to meet the needs of every life science firm, from early-stage startups to large corporations.”
Located in the Somerville neighborhood, close to Kendall Square, Phase I comprises a 12-story tower with 45,000-square-foot floorplates with offices, conference rooms, open collaboration areas, as well as specialty lab rooms and freezer farms. Amenities at Assembly Innovation Park include a fitness center, a wellness cafe and a multi-purpose penthouse with a rooftop terrace.
Work is yet to begin on Phase II of the project, which will encompass two buildings totaling 970,000 square feet, with an indoor-outdoor food hall, conference centers and cafes.
“Upon completion, Assembly Innovation Park will total 1.5 million square feet of Class A lab and office space, providing critical infrastructure for innovative research in the life sciences,” O’Connor added.
This is not the only life science project that BioMed Realty is working on in the metro. Recently, the company topped out 585 Kendall, a 637,000-square-foot development in Cambridge, Mass., already preleased by Takeda Pharmaceuticals.
5. 74M
74M is adjacent to Kendall Square and next to Assembly Square. All images courtesy of Greystar 
The project also includes 27,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space. 
74M includes outdoor spaces, flexible floorplans and a glass facade. 
74M was designed to offer views of Boston, the Cambridge skyline sand the Mystic River. 
The lab space at 74M was designed to foster collaboration among researchers 
Artists such as Tara Donovan, Charles Gaines and Timothy Curtis will contribute to the art program displayed throughout amenities
Another large development under construction in Somerville is 74M, Greystar’s first life science project, which will add roughly 465,000 square feet of life science space to the neighborhood. Developed through a $1.2 billion joint venture with CPP Investments, and built by Consigli, 74M will be a 15-story lab, office and R&D building. The two partners paid $35.7 million for the almost 1-acre development site in 2021, and topped out the project two years ago.
“74M is a precedent-setting development for Greystar’s burgeoning life sciences platform that will bring new research capacity to the innovation cluster taking form in the Assembly Square district,” said Gary Kerr, managing director at Greystar. “This purpose-built project will leverage the tremendous life sciences workforce currently residing in Somerville and deliver public realm improvements that will enhance the connectivity of Assembly to its surrounding neighborhoods for the broader community.”
Work is still underway on interiors and the facade of the building, which is set to include 350 parking spaces, 27,000 square feet of retail space, a fitness center, a 2,000-square-foot rooftop lounge and outdoor spaces. Elkus Manfredi Architects designed 74M with eco-conscious features and energy-efficient systems, targeting LEED Platinum, WELL Platinum, WiredScore Platinum and SmartScore certifications.
Located at 74 Middlesex Ave., adjacent to Kendall Square and at the edge of the Assembly Square master development, the upcoming property will have access to both train and bike routes, as well as Interstate 93.
6. Longwood Place
The five buildings at Longwood Place will total 1.7 million square feet and 2.6 acres of green space. Image courtesy of Skanska
Skanska is working on a massive project for Simmons University in Boston’s Longwood Medical Area. As of today, the company is developing a 398,000-square-foot Living and Learning Center in exchange for a 99-year leasehold interest on Simmons Residence Campus, a development known as Longwood Place.
The Living and Learning Center is set to encompass over 1,000 beds, an 80,000 athletic facility and a 450-seat dining hall spread across 26,000 square feet. The mixed-use building is the final phase of Simmons University’s is part of Simmons University’s three-step masterplan to consolidate its existing facilities into one campus, dubbed One Simmons.
Once the Living and Learning Center is completed in 2027, Skanska intends to start construction on Longwood Place, another large project that’s set to be developed in phases. Plans call for the construction of five buildings, two of which will be mixed-use towers comprising a total of 1 million square feet of office, life science and retail space and a 227-unit residential component.
“Longwood Place offers an unprecedented opportunity to redevelop and reinvigorate a quiet stretch of Brookline Avenue with much-needed housing, innovative workspaces, active retail and community amenities,” said Russell DeMartino, executive vice president for Skanska Commercial Development’s Boston region.
Longwood Place includes $12 million in public realm improvements. Image courtesy of Skanska
Two of the buildings at Longwood Place will include 380 residential units ranging from studios to three-bedroom floorplans, out of which 20 percent will be affordable. The remaining three structures will comprise office and laboratory space. Additionally, some 44,000 square feet of ground-floor retail will also be built.
“A key design component of Longwood Place is the 2.6 acres of green and open space which will support the neighborhood’s health-care and educational institutions, as well as life sciences ecosystem,” DeMartino added.
7. FORUM
FORUM is a life science development that recently added 350,000 square feet of lab and office space to Boston’s Allston-Brighton neighborhood. Lendlease and Ivanhoé Cambridge teamed up for the $500 million development after acquiring a 1.2-acre parcel back in 2021 for $67 million. The developers broke ground in 2022 and later secured a $315 million construction loan from Bank of China, CommercialEdge data shows.
Sixty percent of the nine-story FORUM building is laboratory space and 40 percent is office space. The structure features 50,000-square-foot flexible floorplates, three loading bays, 11-foot lab benches, a 288-stall underground parking garage, 146 bike storage spaces and locker rooms.
“Life science developments used to be self-contained, but projects like FORUM are now designed to seamlessly integrate into a much larger 24/7 mixed-use ecosystem,” said Jonathan Pearce, head of investments, office and life sciences at Ivanhoé Cambridge, told CPE. “At the core of FORUM lies the vision of creating a truly inclusive and accessible community in Boston Landing.”
The $500 million project within Boston Landing will comprise 350,000 square feet of life science and office space. Image courtesy of Lendlease Americas 
The community space on the ground floor will accommodate small gatherings and large social events. Image courtesy of Lendlease Americas 
The community living room at FORUM will offer indoor and outdoor seating and include an art exhibition. Image courtesy of Lendlease Americas
The SGA Architects-designed FORUM building is part of NB Development Group’s Boston Landing master project, a 15-acre mixed-use development, comprising office, lab, entertainment and retail. The live-work-play area along the Massachusetts Turnpike is home to the New Balance corporate headquarters, the practice facilities for the Bruins and Celtics, a track and fitness complex, an entertainment venue, retail and residential buildings as well as a planned hotel, according to Lendlease Americas Director of Development Mark Barer.
“Designed to integrate into the vibrant-mixed use district, the seamless connection of indoor and outdoor experiences at FORUM will offer both flexible workspaces and community gathering spaces, including an outfitted 7,000-square-foot-terrace for tenants and a publicly accessible ground floor that will feature an indoor-outdoor lounge, all-day café and art gallery,” Barer said.
8. Lilly Seaport Innovation Center
Lilly Seaport Innovation Center includes 340,000 square feet. The project is shaping the open space along Boston’s Harborwalk with new pedestrian areas and a park. Image courtesy of Alexandria Real Estate Equities
Alexandria Real Estate Equities and National Development’s project at 15 Necco St. added 334,000 rentable square feet to the metro’s waterfront area. The building is fully leased to Eli Lilly and Co. for its Lilly Institute for Genetic Medicine, and accommodates 500 Lilly scientists and researchers, as well as 200 additional specialists from other branches of Lilly Gateway Labs.
Formerly known as 15 Necco St., Lilly Seaport Innovation Center was completed last year and encompasses life science and office space, as well as ground-floor retail and restaurant space, along with flexible workspaces. Rising 12 stories, the Elkus Manfredi Architects-designed development also includes a rooftop deck and outdoor terraces with green spaces, cafes and restaurants, public work lounge and a waterfront park.
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