R
elated Beal Celebrates Topping Out of Leiden Center II at Innovation Square
Boston's Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park is home to a significant biotech project, with Related Beal marking a major milestone in the development of Leiden Center II (LCII) at Innovation Square. The 345,000-square-foot state-of-the-art life science building will be fully occupied by Vertex Pharmaceuticals upon completion.
LCII, formerly known as the Jeffrey Leiden Center for Biologics, Cell and Genetic Therapies II, is the third building in the RLFMP developed by Related Beal and the second to be fully occupied by Vertex. The project represents a major collaboration between the City of Boston, Related Beal, and Vertex.
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll praised the partnership that made this project possible, stating it will support economic growth and create hundreds of jobs while leading to groundbreaking research that cures disease and transforms medicine. Kimberly Sherman Stamler, President of Related Beal, emphasized the importance of building and investing in Boston's future, citing the development as a model for responsible, sustainable growth.
The new Leiden Center II will be a hub for world-class innovation, with Vertex Pharmaceuticals focusing on transforming lives through research into diseases like sickle cell disease and type 1 diabetes. Charlie Wagner, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Vertex, highlighted the investment in their unique research strategy.
The project features a strategic partnership with the Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute (GMGI), which will receive a custom laboratory to expand its vocational education programs. Additional public benefits include support for local organizations such as the Boston Fisheries Foundation and PieRSquared.
Leiden Center II is set to be Boston's first LEED Platinum and Zero Carbon life science building, incorporating sustainable features like high-performance envelope design, heat pump technologies, and rooftop photovoltaics. The ownership group includes Related Beal, Vertex, Boston Real Estate Inclusion Fund (BREIF), Kavanagh Advisory Group, and Mitsui Fudosan America. Construction is managed by Related Beal Construction, Consigli Construction, and Janey Construction Management, with completion expected in early 2027.
Over 50% of the consultant team on LCII comprises minority- or women-owned businesses, reflecting a commitment to diversity and inclusion. The project also aims to provide investment access to BIPOC through partnerships like BREIF and Basis Investment Group.
