Breakthrough Properties, Harvard and Tishman Speyer Complete First Phase of Allston Enterprise Research Campus
BOSTON — Harvard University, Tishman Speyer and Breakthrough Properties marked the completion of the first phase of the Enterprise Research Campus (ERC) in Boston's Allston neighborhood on June 23, 2026, delivering a nine-acre mixed-use district that combines life science laboratories, residential units, hospitality, retail, and public open space on a single connected site.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu joined university, elected, community and business leaders at a celebration event to mark the milestone. The first phase was developed by Tishman Speyer and Breakthrough Properties in partnership with the Harvard Allston Land Company (HALC).
A Multi-Asset Campus Anchored by Life Science
The centerpiece of the first phase is One Milestone, a lab complex developed by Breakthrough Properties — a joint venture of Tishman Speyer and Bellco Capital — and anchored by Roche's Innovation Center for Cardiovascular, Renal, and Metabolism (CVRM) discovery. The two-building complex was designed by architectural firms Henning Larsen and Studio Gang and is intended to accommodate tenants ranging from large-scale users to emerging startups through a flexible lab component branded as StudioLabs. Amenities include a Jay Wright-designed fitness center and a double-height conference facility.
"With the ERC, we have created a world-leading innovation environment that will complement and accelerate cutting-edge research taking place at Harvard and the surrounding region," said Breakthrough Properties CEO Dan Belldegrun. "With Roche Genetech's innovation center as its anchor, One Milestone will produce dynamic partnerships between academia and industry, paving the way for countless life-changing discoveries."
Residential, Hospitality and Conference Components
Alongside the lab buildings, the first phase includes Verra, a 343-apartment community designed by MVRDV that opened prior to the June celebration. Verra offers studios through two-bedroom units and is described in project materials as already contributing to the neighborhood's energy and sense of community.
The Atlas, a 246-room boutique hotel designed by Marlon Blackwell Architects with interiors by INC Architecture & Design, opened earlier in 2026. The hotel features two dining concepts from Pearl & Law Hospitality — Ama at The Atlas, a signature restaurant, and Foxglove Terrace, a rooftop restaurant and bar — both of which opened in the spring.
The David Rubenstein Treehouse, Harvard's first university-wide conference center, opened in October 2025. Designed by Studio Gang, the mass timber structure can host events ranging from 20 to 755 people and includes space for visiting scholars, industry partners and guests. The building features a double-height lobby with two covered porches designed for year-round use.
"It's extremely gratifying to see the ERC come to life," said Tishman Speyer CEO Rob Speyer. "From day one, Harvard has been an amazing partner. Our collaboration has created a place for bold ideas, from the next groundbreaking discovery to world-class hospitality. This is a destination for Harvard, Allston, and visitors from around the world."
Retail and Public Open Space
The first phase includes 40,000 square feet of street-level retail and restaurants. Tishman Speyer's retail program has prioritized local Boston operators. Current tenants include Harvard's COOP bookstore and apparel shop, Revival Café, Phin Coffee House and a Little Sprouts daycare center, in addition to the Pearl & Law Hospitality dining concepts at The Atlas.
More than two acres of publicly accessible open space anchor the district, with the Allstonway greenway — designed by SCAPE and opened in May 2026 — serving as its centerpiece. The Allstonway connects the neighborhood to the Charles River and is programmed with farmers' markets, concerts and outdoor fitness classes.
"The Enterprise Research campus is where researchers, entrepreneurs, and creative thinkers will work side by side," said Harvard President Alan Garber. "Asking ambitious questions, pursuing novel ideas that only seem obvious with hindsight. Building the companies and the industries of tomorrow. And as new discoveries are made, new challenges are identified. The spaces we have built will evolve. Supporting excellence in many forms for many, many years to come."