BOSTON–The Harvard Enterprise Research Campus (ERC) is a transformative nine-acre development in Boston’s Allston neighborhood, poised to redefine the region’s landscape for innovation, sustainability, and community engagement.
Initiated by the Harvard Allston Land Company (HALC) and developed in partnership with Tishman Speyer, the ERC is set to become a beacon of collaboration between academia, industry, and the local community.
Courtesy of Harvard Planning Office
Project Overview and Vision
The ERC aims to create a dynamic mixed-use environment that fosters innovation and inclusivity. The first phase encompasses approximately 900,000 square feet of development, featuring:
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Two state-of-the-art laboratory buildings: Totaling 440,000 square feet, these facilities are designed to support cutting-edge biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies at various stages of development. Breakthrough Properties, a joint venture between Tishman Speyer and Bellco Capital, is responsible for the development, leasing, and operation of these lab spaces.
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343-unit residential complex: This includes a mix of market-rate and affordable housing, with 25% of the units designated for households earning between 30% and 100% of the area median income. The residential buildings are designed by MVRDV and Henning Larsen, with a focus on sustainability and community integration.
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Hotel and conference facilities: The hotel component will provide accommodations for visitors, while the David Rubenstein Treehouse, a mass-timber conference center, will serve as a venue for academic and industry events. Designed by Studio Gang, the Treehouse is set to open in Fall 2025.
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Public open spaces and retail: Over two acres of green space will host community events, farmers markets, and outdoor activities. The ground floor will feature retail spaces, including small, local, minority- and women-owned businesses.
The Enterprise Research Campus in Allston will include research-focused companies, green space, residences, and a hotel and conference center.
Courtesy of Harvard Planning Office
Key Players and Project Team
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Developers: Harvard Allston Land Company (HALC) and Tishman Speyer
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Architectural Firms: Studio Gang, Henning Larsen, MVRDV, Utile, Marlon Blackwell Architects, and Arrowstreet
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Construction Managers: Turner Construction (partnering with Janey Construction Management and J&J Contractors for the lab buildings), Consigli Construction, and Smoot Construction
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Landscape Architecture: SCAPE and UtileMVRDV – Architects
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Sustainability Certification: Targeting LEED Gold
Timeline and Progress
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June 2023: Construction commenced with a $750 million financing package, marking it as one of the largest construction financing deals in the U.S. for that year.
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November 1, 2023: Official groundbreaking ceremony held, attended by Harvard President Claudine Gay and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu.
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August 2024: Topping out of the two laboratory buildings, with final steel beams placed.
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Fall 2025: Opening of the David Rubenstein Treehouse conference center.
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Early 2026: Completion of the laboratory buildings.
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2026: Full completion of Phase I, including residential units, hotel, and public spaces.
Community Impact and Sustainability
The ERC is committed to fostering economic growth and community engagement. Notably, over $30 million of the project’s equity investment comes from Black and Hispanic individuals and households, marking one of Boston’s largest inclusionary investor initiatives. Additionally, more than 30% of pre-construction costs and over 15% of total construction costs have been awarded to minority- and women-led firms.
Sustainability is a cornerstone of the ERC, with all buildings targeting LEED Gold certification. The development employs low-carbon construction methods and integrates climate-resilient design to support the region’s sustainable future.
Looking Ahead
The Harvard Enterprise Research Campus represents a bold step toward creating a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable community in Allston. With its strategic location adjacent to Harvard’s existing facilities and its commitment to innovation and community, the ERC is poised to become a model for future developments in urban research and collaboration.
