September 18, 2025

Biogen Breaks Ground on New Headquarters in Kendall Square

News Summary

Biogen has officially begun construction on its new 16-story headquarters in Kendall Square, set to consolidate operations and boost innovation as the company approaches its 50th anniversary in 2028. The facility will house modern offices, laboratories, and community engagement spaces, including the Biogen CoLab. This landmark project is part of the Kendall Common initiative by MIT, aimed at transforming the Volpe transportation research center into a vibrant hub of biopharma activity. The new site symbolizes Biogen’s commitment to the area’s biotech ecosystem amidst industry challenges.

Cambridge, Massachusetts – Biogen has officially broken ground on its new 16-story headquarters in Kendall Square, a milestone that coincides with the company’s upcoming 50th anniversary in 2028. The new facility, set to be located at 75 Broadway, encompasses approximately 580,000 square feet and will serve as a central hub for the biopharmaceutical firm.

The newly established headquarters aims to consolidate Biogen’s existing operational footprint in the area, which currently includes three leased buildings at 225 Binney St., 105 Broadway, and 125 Broadway, alongside a laboratory at 115 Broadway. By moving into this newly developed space, Biogen intends to streamline its research, development, and commercial operations. The standalone lab building will continue to be owned by the company.

Christopher A. Viehbacher, Biogen’s president and CEO, emphasized the significance of the location, highlighting the concentration of innovative companies and research initiatives in Kendall Square, particularly ongoing studies related to Alzheimer’s disease and cancer development.

This groundbreaking ceremony marks Biogen as the first commercial tenant to join the Kendall Common project, an initiative by the MIT Investment Management Company aimed at redeveloping the Volpe transportation research center. The overall redevelopment project is set to introduce eight new buildings, providing 1.75 million square feet of lab and office space, 1,300 residential units, and 3.5 acres of open space.

The event featured a LEGO model of the new headquarters and received enthusiastic support from attendees, notably for the co-founders of Biogen, Nobel laureates Walter Gilbert and Phillip A. Sharp. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and MIT President Sally Kornbluth highlighted the state’s critical role in fostering innovation and technology during their remarks. They also raised concerns regarding federal policies that could potentially undermine the synergy between academic institutions and government research funding.

Governor Healey announced a proposal of $400 million aimed at bolstering Massachusetts’ research and innovation economy. Presently, Biogen employs 1,561 workers within the state, positioning it as the 11th largest biopharma employer in Massachusetts, although this figure has decreased from 2,800 employees in 2021.

In addition to providing state-of-the-art office spaces, the new headquarters will incorporate modern amenities, laboratories, and sustainable design features such as energy-efficient systems. A community laboratory, known as the Biogen CoLab, will also be established in the headquarters, intended to serve local organizations and educational institutions, thus enhancing community engagement.

As Biogen navigates recent challenges within the biopharma industry, including workforce reductions and operational shifts, this new headquarters is seen as a positive step forward. It is expected to solidify the company’s position within the Kendall Square biotech ecosystem and stimulate future innovations across the region.

As construction progresses, the new facility is expected to emerge as a focal point for collaboration in the life sciences sector, encouraging a forward-thinking approach in research and development efforts.

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Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER

BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.