AstraZeneca Partners with Boston Properties on Cambridge R&D Center

AstraZeneca is partnering with Boston Properties to create a 570,000-sf R&D center in Cambridge’s Kendall Square. Housing approximately 1,850 employees, the 16-story building will offer world-class research environments for the creation of advanced biomedical therapies and vaccines. This nexus of innovation and discovery will feature flexible open laboratories arranged in neighborhoods with shared instrumentation suites and collaboration spaces. The leased development will also accommodate the corporate headquarters of Alexion Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of AstraZeneca.

HOK is providing interior design, sustainability, and lab programming and planning services for the biophilic facility, which is expected to achieve LEED Platinum certification for commercial interiors. The firm’s pioneering “Designing for Equity” initiative enhanced every aspect of the planning process to ensure that the office floors, lobby, cafeteria, and auditorium will support diverse occupant needs. Aligned with the principles of the WELL Building Standard, the high-performance structure will include a two-story rooftop penthouse and seven levels of below-grade parking. Pickard Chilton designed the base building with Stantec as architect of record. Occupancy is slated for April of 2026.