BOSTON — The Boston office market continues to top the nation for space under construction, even as its development pipeline contracts sharply from post-pandemic highs, according to the latest Office Pipeline Report from CommercialCafe.
CommercialCafe reports that Boston currently has 4.1 million square feet of office space under construction, the highest total of any U.S. market and equal to 1.6% of its existing inventory. However, that figure represents less than one-quarter of the market’s peak pipeline in 2024, reflecting a broader national pullback in office development.
Nationally, an estimated 28.9 million square feet of office space was under construction at the start of 2026, according to Yardi Research data cited by CommercialCafe. Developers have largely slowed production to allow vacancy rates to stabilize and demand to catch up. Still, nearly half of the space currently underway broke ground in 2025, signaling renewed momentum over the past 12 months.
Major Projects Anchor Boston’s Pipeline
As reported by CommercialCafe, the largest Boston office project slated for delivery this year is Commonwealth Pier, a 690,000-square-foot development expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter.
In the life sciences sector, Boston continues to dominate nationally. The 660,000-square-foot Alexandria Center Fenway leads the U.S. life sciences pipeline, with delivery anticipated in the first quarter. Boston accounts for four of the top five projects among the 10 largest life sciences deliveries nationwide, underscoring the city’s continued role as a hub for biotech and lab development.
At the same time, CommercialCafe highlights how agility has become essential in today’s office market. Developers able to pivot quickly are better positioned to manage risk amid shifting tenant demand. One prominent example is IQHQ’s nearly 960,000-square-foot life sciences project in Boston, where vertical construction has been paused until the developer secures a 50% pre-leasing commitment.
Boston Retains Top Spot Nationally
Despite its scaled-back pipeline, Boston remains well ahead of other major markets. CommercialCafe reports that Manhattan ranks second with 2.7 million square feet under construction, followed by Dallas at 2.4 million square feet and Los Angeles at 2 million. West Palm Beach, Florida, emerged as a notable entrant, surpassing Miami with 1.6 million square feet underway.
The report also notes significant contraction in other high-growth markets. Austin, Texas, saw office development shrink dramatically year-over-year, relinquishing its previous runner-up position behind Boston and ceding Texas leadership to Dallas.
While Boston’s office pipeline has dropped to less than 25% of its post-COVID peak, CommercialCafe suggests that the recent uptick in construction starts could offer a cautiously optimistic signal for future development activity — particularly in specialized sectors like life sciences, where the city continues to lead the nation.
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