Biogen chose a familiar place when it decided to establish a new global headquarters.
For nearly half a century, the biotechnology giant has been integral to the evolution of Kendall Square and its cluster of big corporations, academia and tech startups, helping establish the city of Cambridge as one of the world’s most influential life sciences ecosystems.
In March 2025, the company reaffirmed that legacy by executing a landmark lease with BioMed Realty and MIT Investment Management Co. at 75 Broadway, committing to a new global headquarters within the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Kendall Common development.
The lease brings together Biogen’s research and development teams and global and North American commercial organizations into a single purpose‑built facility encompassing about 580,000 square feet.
It was a decision the innovation hub celebrated as the life sciences sector struggled amid a pullback from the rapid growth it experienced after the pandemic, a shot in the arm that earned the deal a CoStar Impact Award as judged by real estate professionals familiar with the market.
Stephanie Donlin, senior director for real estate for Greystar Real Estate Partners and one of the Impact Award judges, hailed the deal as "the most consequential by scale and market impact, re‑anchoring a global biotech leader in Kendall Square and catalyzing MIT’s Kendall Common development. It centralizes technical operations and commercial teams, boosting net absorption and ecosystem vibrancy while advancing sustainability through high‑efficiency, lab‑ready design."
About the project: The new building is expected to incorporate advanced conservation, energy efficiency and sustainable design elements. This emphasis aligns with growing expectations across the life science industry for facilities that balance innovation with environmental responsibility.
Biogen is aiming to transition its employees to the new headquarters by 2028, coinciding with the company’s 50th anniversary, John Moriarty & Associates, the general contractor, wrote on its website.
What the judges said: "The Biogen lease stands out as the 2025 lease of the year, signaling a major recommitment to Cambridge amid a challenging life sciences real estate environment.... This transaction not only underscores Biogen’s legacy and continued innovation but also helps cement Cambridge’s status as one of the world’s leading innovation capitals," wrote Mark Fallon, director of research and strategy at Hunneman.
They made it happen: Biogen is the tenant on the project, with BioMed Realty and MIT Investment Management Co. acting as owners in a joint‑venture partnership. Elkus Manfredi Architects designed the building, while John Moriarty & Associates was the general contractor. JLL handled brokerage services. BR+A served as mechanical engineer. Goulston & Storrs represented the landlord. McCarter & English represented the tenant.