BOSTON–Lendlease and Ivanhoé Cambridge announced the topping-out of the structural steel framing of FORUM, a nine-story, 350,000-square-foot life science development in Boston.
The $545 million project is located at 60 Guest St. in Boston Landing, a 15-acre mixed-use community in Boston’s Allston-Brighton neighborhood.
Representatives from Lendlease, Ivanhoé Cambridge, Consigli Construction Co., Inc. and other project contributors celebrated the milestone yesterday with a steel beam-raising ceremony. Scheduled for delivery in 2024, FORUM marks the first life science development partnership between Lendlease and Ivanhoé Cambridge, with active leasing efforts currently underway.
“With this significant project milestone, FORUM reinforces Boston’s reputation as a global hub for medical and biological research while establishing Boston Landing as a destination for leading life sciences companies,” said Mark Barer, Director of Development, Boston, Lendlease. “FORUM will deliver a next-generation life science facility that will keep pace with an ever-changing industry for years to come while also serving the broader community through the inclusion of public amenities and programming.”
FORUM’s flexible, 50,000-square-foot floorplates can accommodate multiple or single-floor tenants, including laboratory and office space. The building systems are engineered to offer state-of-the-art mechanical and electrical infrastructure to support groundbreaking research and development.
“We’re thrilled to be celebrating the topping-out at FORUM as we near one step closer to bringing this innovative and cutting-edge project to completion,” said John Rosato, Executive Vice President, Capital Projects and Development, Ivanhoé Cambridge. “We look forward to our continued work alongside all partners involved as we seamlessly integrate life sciences with community and lifestyle in one of the industry’s key markets of concentration.”
The iconic modern design of the building is emphasized with a dynamic curvilinear façade punctuated with warm copper metal panels and triple-glazed glass. An inviting landscaped plaza leads into an expansive lobby that is part of FORUM’s vibrant public realm. Publicly accessible areas include a community living room and café that can be used for both building and neighborhood programming. The first floor also includes an art gallery that will showcase pieces from local artists.
Shared tenant amenities are located on the third floor, including a communal kitchen and eating area, as well as a 7,000-square-foot outdoor terrace with cabanas, seating areas and grilling stations. Collaboration spaces in the third-floor conference center will accommodate a variety of meeting sizes and configurations. For select tenant spaces, private terraces will also be available.
Designed by SGA, the project is targeting LEED Platinum, WiredScore Platinum and Fitwel certification. Upon completion, FORUM will be net zero operational carbon, aligning with Lendlease’s Mission Zero initiative and Ivanhoé Cambridge’s commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. The 284-stall parking garage will include electric vehicle charging stations, and the building will offer storage for 146 bicycles and on-site locker rooms.
Consigli Construction Co., Inc. is serving as general contractor on FORUM and BR+A Consulting Engineers is serving as project engineer. The development is being leased by JLL.
“As a worldwide hub for research and innovation, FORUM is a welcomed addition to Boston’s robust life sciences ecosystem, bringing a mixed-use, transit-oriented development with state-of-the-art offices, labs and amenities to Boston Landing,” said Ryan Jennette, Director of Operations – Boston, Consigli. “We look forward to Consigli’s continued collaboration with Lendlease, Ivanhoé Cambridge and the public and private partners who have made this transformative project possible.”
In the heart of Boston Landing, FORUM offers maximum connectivity to multiple transportation options, including the Massachusetts Turnpike; MBTA Commuter Rail, whose Boston Landing station is 0.2 miles from the building; and MBTA bus routes that provide access to downtown Boston and Cambridge. Bluebikes, Boston’s public bike share program, also has a station located on Guest Street.
Nearby attractions and amenities include the New Balance corporate headquarters; a state-of-the-art track and fitness facility; Roadrunner, a popular music venue; and practice facilities for the Celtics and Bruins, as well as a planned hotel and the soon-to-be Allston Yards mixed-use neighborhood.
Aligning with Lendlease’s social impact values, the FORUM development team is partnering with MassBioEd, a nonprofit education foundation, to foster workforce development across the life sciences industry. FORUM’s common areas will host programs that teach area students and career seekers about the life sciences industry and develop skills that will help them move into careers in the field.
Prospective tenants can tour the FORUM marketing suite by appointment. For more information, contact JLL at (617) 531-4253 or visit www.forumbostonlanding.com.
