BOSTON – Berkeley Investments announced today that it has received final permitting approvals from the Town of Watertown to convert 64 Pleasant Street, the historic Chase Mills building, to a life sciences use.
Leasing is now underway at 64P, aimed toward midsize, fast-growing life science companies looking for street presence, the ability to brand a building, and access to amenities in the heart of a bustling urban downtown.
“Following a productive community process, we are pleased to move forward with plans to revitalize 64 Pleasant Street as a new hub in Watertown’s growing life science corridor,” said Young Park, president of Berkeley. “We believe this project will fill a much-needed space in the local innovation development market while benefitting the surrounding community.”
Berkeley plans to begin construction this month to fully modernize the historic buildings while preserving and maintaining approximately 105,000 in square footage. The updates will include 100% new mechanical, electrical and plumbing equipment as well as improved airflow and energy efficiency, updated ADA accessibility, and key life science elements such as higher ceilings, state of the art lab space and new reinforced concrete floors. SGA is leading the design team to update the space and surrounding site. Berkeley aims to complete core and shell construction by the end of 2022, with the potential to begin fitting out a tenant space sooner.
“Set along the Charles River, this property will deliver research and development space on par with ground-up projects in the market while also providing one-of-a-kind views in a building with a rich authentic history that can’t be replicated,” said Morgan Pierson, Berkeley’s director of development.
64P is within walking distance to the restaurants, public transit, shops and housing of Watertown Square. It is a 20-minute drive to Kendall Square and five minutes from the Mass Pike.
The Chase Mills building has served a variety of workforce uses in its 150+ years, including most recently as the global headquarters for the design firm Sasaki. Berkeley purchased the building in February 2021, and its adaptive reuse represents an evolution of industry and innovation in the space.
64P adds to Berkeley’s growing portfolio of life science investments within the greater Boston area including a multi-story mixed-use redevelopment in Malden Center as well as the nearby ground up mixed-use development on Lincoln Street in Allston.
