Biomed Realty Trust, Inc.

325 Vassar Street Base Building Upgrades & Universal Flex Lab

Project at a Glance
Location

Cambridge, MA

Architect

Arrowstreet, Inc.

Market

Life Sciences

Project Type

Base Building Infrastructure
Fit-out

Project Overview

  • Procurement of lab and M/E/P equipment on an aggressive schedule
  • Confirming existing conditions through an extensive exploratory process
  • Managing all work in close proximity to occupied buildings; requiring close coordination with the City of Cambridge

BioMed Realty Trust acquired 325 Vassar Street, an aging manufacturing building, with the goal to create a state-of-the-art property to accommodate multiple laboratory and research tenants desiring close proximity to Kendall Square, an international center of research. The property was also the pilot project to launch the Universal Flex Lab™ concept, an innovative approach to provide an advanced level of tenant fit-out flexibility. The building can respond to diverse research requirements through multi-use overhead service distribution systems, adaptable program spaces, re-configurable lab benches and flexible equipment.

The project was managed on an aggressive schedule to meet lease agreements and also attract additional tenants. The core and shell upgrades for this building included extensive M/E/P infrastructure with the capacity for multiple research tenants, including installation of a new mechanical penthouse, as well as complete HVAC and sprinkler upgrades. The exterior scope included significant exterior masonry restoration and the installation of all new windows. Interior work included the installation of new laboratory casework, fume hoods along with new doors and hardware throughout.

The second phase of the project included the full fit-out for two clients, Sun Catalytix and Epizyme. Completed on aggressive schedules, the fit-out involved installation of fume hoods, lab sinks, snorkels and associated HVAC upgrades. The project also included the installation of office spaces with movable partitions to provide flexibility.