Harvard Inks 61 KSF Lease in Cambridge

By Corina Stef

784 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, Mass.

After announcing the development of a $1 billion science and engineering complex in Allston, Mass., Harvard University has signed a 61,000-square-foot lease in Cambridge, Mass., for its growing information technology services department. The oldest institution of higher education in the U.S. will occupy an entire building owned by an affiliate of The Bulfinch Cos.

Prestigious prior tenants

Located at 784 Memorial Drive, the property is close to the Harvard campus, offering easy and quick access throughout the area, and to and from Boston via the Massachusetts Pike and Memorial Drive. The four-story historic building was constructed in 1937 and previously housed major corporations, such as Polaroid Corp. and Infinity Pharmaceuticals. Additionally, it includes a conference center, fitness room, balcony, roof deck and ample parking.

JLL Managing Director John Osten, Executive Vice President Molly Heath and Managing Director Peter Bekarian brokered the transaction on behalf of the tenant.

“Harvard’s lease at 784 Memorial Drive expands Bulfinch’s relationship with this prestigious institution, which is an existing tenant in our Harvard Square property,” Bulfinch Senior Vice President & Director of Leasing Mike Wilcox said in a prepared statement. “784 Memorial Drive presented an ideal setting for Harvard as the property offers a unique combination of historic features, a highly accessible location and superior modern infrastructure designed to support high-performance operations.”

Image courtesy of The Bulfinch Cos.