BOSTON-Carr Properties, National Real Estate Advisors and The HYM Investment Group, LLC celebrated the grand opening on Thursday of One Congress, Boston’s newest trophy office tower and the largest new office project delivered in Boston in 2023.
Developed through a visionary partnership between Carr, National and HYM, the six-hundred-foot tower delivers one million square feet of office space to downtown Boston.
One Congress delivers fully leased, after securing two of the largest office leases in Boston within the last 20 years. State Street Bank, the Fortune 500 financial firm, will occupy 510,000 square feet and leading technology firm InterSystems will occupy 420,000 square feet. Other customers at One Congress include K&L Gates, a leading law firm, Trillium Asset Management, and Husch Blackwell. One Congress exemplifies the flight-to-quality office by major corporations as the building delivers 100% pre-leased.
Designed by internationally acclaimed architectural firms Pelli Clarke & Partners and CBT Architects, and built by John Moriarty & Associates, One Congress’ unique architecture has become one of the most distinctive and defining fixtures in Boston’s skyline. Customers will experience luxury and hospitality from the moment they enter One Congress’ grand, triple-height lobby, which includes dedicated concierge service, collaborative workspaces, and a coffee bar – spanning an entire city block in length.
One Congress is the only office tower in Boston to offer a full-floor amenity center and outdoor space totaling just under one acre in size. Located on the building’s 11th floor, the hospitality-style amenity spaces, curated by leading interior design firm Gachot Studios, include a 7,000 square foot, state-of-the-art fitness center, well-appointed customer lounges, a marketplace with food offerings curated by Stephen Starr, a cocktail bar, and nearly 4,700 square feet of meeting and conference space. The amenities within One Congress extend to the building’s 15,000 square foot outdoor terrace, which includes several open-air pavilions, an outdoor bar and breathtaking panoramic views of Boston Harbor and the North End. One Congress’ unparalleled amenities offer customers an exceptional workplace environment that fosters health and well-being.
“The delivery of One Congress marks our first development project in Boston. We could not be prouder of the partnership we have formed with National and HYM to bring the next generation of office to Boston,” said Oliver Carr, Chief Executive Officer at Carr. “One Congress sets a new standard for office through its exceptional design and focus on sustainability. Our customers were at the forefront of our minds throughout every stage of the development process. As the co-owner and property management provider for One Congress, we are committed to upholding a standard of excellence through our service.”
One Congress is the only office tower over one million square feet certified as LEED Platinum in Boston. This achievement reflects the building’s commitment to forward-thinking sustainability. Boasting MERV-15 filtration that captures 95% of particles and ensures four outdoor turns of air per hour, One Congress offers the freshest air quality possible. Its 99-point Walk Score and proximity to the Rose Kennedy Greenway and several MBTA stations provide customers with ready access to outdoor spaces and sustainable commute options, transforming this formerly car-centric site into a true transit hub.
“One Congress exemplifies National’s dedication to building modern, sustainable assets which seek to generate returns for our investors while creating meaningful jobs in our communities. This building stands as a testament to our exceptional team and skilled labor force who turned an ambitious vision into reality. We are proud to have played a part in Boston’s evolving skyline and the city’s bright future,” said Jeff Kanne, President and Chief Executive Officer of National Real Estate Advisors.
“The grand opening of One Congress is a testament to HYM’s forward-thinking spirit, commitment to excellence, and proven ability to push the needle on sustainability and creativity to build a more resilient and productive future,” said Thomas N. O’Brien, Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer of HYM. “In partnership with our incredible One Congress team, we are proud to introduce a new class of office that will redefine the future of work both in Boston and across the country.”
“The design and development of One Congress represents thoughtful urban design integrated with distinctive and memorable architecture enriching historic Boston and its skyline.” said Mark Shoemaker, Partner, Pelli Clarke & Partners.
“It has been such an honor to be a part of the design team for One Congress,” said David Nagahiro, President/CEO and Senior Principal of CBT Architects. “CBT’s collaboration with Pelli Clarke & Partners was an incredibly successful one, and we could not be more pleased with the way this new building artfully contributes to Boston’s dynamic skyline.”
“Our company has eagerly anticipated the opening of One Congress since we first announced the building would be our firm’s global headquarters in 2019,” said Ron O’Hanley, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of State Street. “One Congress reinforces our continued commitment to the city of Boston, and we are excited to provide our employees with a state-of-the-art building that will enable seamless connectivity and foster increased collaboration with the goal of improving our clients’ outcomes across the globe.”