News: Construction Design & Engineering

BioMed Realty, Takeda and Global Arts Live celebrate groundbreaking of 585 Kendall

Cambridge, MA BioMed Realty, alongside Takeda and Global Arts Live, celebrated the groundbreaking of 585 Kendall in the Kendall Sq. neighborhood. The 600,000 s/f development, set for occupancy in 2026, will provide Takeda with state-of-the-art lab and office space. The building will also include a new 30,000 s/f performing arts center launched in collaboration with Global Arts Live, including a 400-seat theater, 150-seat commons stage set in an indoor garden, rehearsal studio, and ground-floor gathering spaces.

“This groundbreaking is a monumental moment in Kendall Square’s continued development and brings us one step closer to delivering much-needed life science space to greater Boston’s booming innovation ecosystem,” said Tim Schoen, CEO of BioMed Realty. “BioMed is proud to provide state-of-the-art, sustainable lab office infrastructure to support Takeda’s critical research and development, while simultaneously delivering on our commitment to the Cambridge community to provide a culturally-driven public community space.”

“We’re delighted to join our partners in celebrating this truly remarkable space, which when complete, will be home to some of the best scientists in the world,” said Ken Caplan, global co-head of Blackstone Real Estate. “Blackstone has long had strong conviction in Cambridge – and the Boston area more broadly – and we are proud to expand our presence. We look forward to seeing how Cambridge’s extraordinary talent will use 585 Kendall to accelerate transformative research and artistic exploration in the community.”

The groundbreaking event featured performances and celebrations presented by Global Arts Live, a Cambridge-based nonprofit concert presenter with 33 years of experience showcasing music and dance from the near and far corners of the globe. Local artists performed at the event, including two groups from Cambridge: Albino Mbie, playing a unique Afro-Pop and Moz-Jazz sound that incorporates sounds from Mozambique, the US and around the world; and Jean Appolon Expressions, a Cambridge-based dance company featuring traditional Haitian folkloric dance with modern technique. Boston-based Subject:Matter, a tap dance company that regularly holds jams and community events for all ages, also performed.

“Global Arts Live’s artistic vision for over three decades has been to bring inspiring music and dance from all corners of the world to stages across Greater Boston,” said Connie Chin, CEO of Global Arts Live and 585 Arts. “As we work to launch the new performing arts center at 585 Kendall, we look forward to deepening our connection to communities of color and developing programming and partnerships that reflect the rich diversity of Cambridge and Boston.”

To sustain and operate the building’s performance spaces, BioMed and Global Arts Live created a new nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, 585 Arts, Inc. Once in operation, 585 Arts will manage the 400-seat theater and professional rehearsal studio, and contribute to programming for the 150-seat commons stage and ground-floor gathering spaces.

BioMed has committed to spend $45 million to build and equip the performing arts center and Global Arts Live is conducting a $15 million fundraising campaign to launch and sustain 585 Arts.

MORE FROM Construction Design & Engineering

Nobis Group awards Robinson and Moreira STEM scholarships

Concord, NH Nobis Group, a 100% employee-owned consulting firm specializing in engineering and environmental solutions across the Northeast, has named the recipients of its 2025 STEM Scholarship: Andie Moreira of
READ ON THE GO
DIGITAL EDITIONS
Subscribe
Columns and Thought Leadership
Ask the Electrician: Is summer a prime time for commercial electrical maintenance?

Ask the Electrician: Is summer a prime time for commercial electrical maintenance?

The answer is “Yes!” While January marks the official new year, many businesses view September as a fresh start. This makes summer an ideal time for commercial property owners to schedule long-term electrical maintenance projects.
The rise of incubators and co-working spaces: The latest in life sciences - by Matt Combs

The rise of incubators and co-working spaces: The latest in life sciences - by Matt Combs

In recent years, the life science industry has witnessed a shift in how companies operate and innovate. One of the key driving forces behind this transformation is the emergence of incubators and co-working spaces specifically tailored to meet the unique budget and schedule needs of startups.
Careers in Construction Month focus on training and safety - by Joe Camilo

Careers in Construction Month focus on training and safety - by Joe Camilo

October is Careers in Construction Month, and rarely has it been more consequential. According to our chapter’s national parent organization, the construction industry needs to attract half-a-million new workers in the coming year to meet demand. Addressing that need is a huge job, but we at ABC MA are trying to do our part.
The design-build advantage: Integrated interior design solutions - by Parker Snyder

The design-build advantage: Integrated interior design solutions - by Parker Snyder

When it comes to corporate interior spaces for both commercial and industrial projects, partnering with a design-build firm with in-house interior design services can offer clients many benefits. Unlike traditional delivery methods where interior designers operate independently from the design and construction teams, often creating a longer project timeline as cost negotiations and revisions ensue