One Canal by Breakthrough

One Canal by Breakthrough

Breakthrough Properties, a leading global developer, owner, and operator of life sciences real estate, acquired One Canal in 2021 to transform it into a world-class life science research center catering to biotech companies in the heart of Cambridge’s renowned innovation hub.

Originally built in 1983 and recently renovated in 2015, One Canal’s goal was to reposition it as a new, modern lab and office space. This transformation emphasizes not only high-quality architectural and interior design, exceptional hospitality, and exemplary operational excellence but also a strong commitment to sustainability, as evidenced by its pursuit of LEED Gold, Fitwel, and WELL certifications.

After providing comprehensive due diligence support, TRIA began designing the building with a new lobby, fitness center, restrooms, storage room, and loading dock. It also required new infrastructure that could support future tenants’ scientific research, including a new roof infrastructure, a new first-floor base building mechanical room, an expanded first-floor electrical room, new lab shafts supporting central utilities and exhaust air, a new freight elevator, loading dock expansion,  lab and office pipe chases, and more.  TRIA continued with the fit-out of speculative suites.

Influenced by the adjacent Lechmere Canal Park, the hospitality-centric design concept focuses on blending art and science into modern yet natural sophistication. In addition to the flexible spec lab and office layouts, where scientists can glimpse the Museum of Science and Charles River, the amenities include a modern lounge, collaboration spaces on two floors, a unique winter garden that provides a serene escape, and a high-quality fitness center equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.

project location

Cambridge, MA

Project size

112,000  SF

services

Building Repositioning
Planning & Programming
Lab Design
Renderings
Interior Design
Sustainable Design

Breakthrough Properties, a leading global developer, owner, and operator of life sciences real estate, acquired One Canal in 2021 to transform it into a world-class life science research center catering to biotech companies in the heart of Cambridge’s renowned innovation hub.

Originally built in 1983 and recently renovated in 2015, One Canal’s goal was to reposition it as a new, modern lab and office space. This transformation emphasizes not only high-quality architectural and interior design, exceptional hospitality, and exemplary operational excellence but also a strong commitment to sustainability, as evidenced by its pursuit of LEED Gold, Fitwel, and WELL certifications.

After providing comprehensive due diligence support, TRIA began designing the building with a new lobby, fitness center, restrooms, storage room, and loading dock. It also required new infrastructure that could support future tenants’ scientific research, including a new roof infrastructure, a new first-floor base building mechanical room, an expanded first-floor electrical room, new lab shafts supporting central utilities and exhaust air, a new freight elevator, loading dock expansion,  lab and office pipe chases, and more.  TRIA continued with the fit-out of speculative suites.

Influenced by the adjacent Lechmere Canal Park, the hospitality-centric design concept focuses on blending art and science into modern yet natural sophistication. In addition to the flexible spec lab and office layouts, where scientists can glimpse the Museum of Science and Charles River, the amenities include a modern lounge, collaboration spaces on two floors, a unique winter garden that provides a serene escape, and a high-quality fitness center equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.