Originally built in 1952 as a beer distribution center and last renovated in 2007, 320 Charles Street is now owned by BioMed Realty.

With the building currently vacant and outdated, BioMed is exploring redevelopment opportunities to create a cutting-edge facility that meets the evolving needs of modern life science tenants. The proposed plans focus on:

• Human-scaled design inspired by residential architecture, with a height limit of four stories.

• A thoughtful tree planting strategy to blend the building into the neighborhood while reducing light pollution and the urban heat island effect.

• High-quality materials that emphasize warmth, texture, and craftsmanship.

• Meaningful community benefits that remain within East Cambridge.

BioMed is currently evaluating the feasibility of replacing the existing structure with a purpose-built life sciences facility, incorporating modern laboratory spaces and improved parking, all while prioritizing a forward-thinking, community-focused design.

For years, 320 Charles has been a hub of groundbreaking scientific innovation, playing a key role in advancing biomedical research. From contributing to the first Human Genome Project to sequencing over 600,000 genomes and more than 1 million exomes, the work conducted here has driven discoveries across infectious diseases, cancer, and genetic conditions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Broad Clinical Labs at 320 Charles became a vital national center for diagnostic testing processing over 37 million patient samples.