This post was written by BLDUP and originally appeared on their site.

Now in its 16th year, the NAIOP bus tour took several hundred CRE professionals on an info-packed trip through Waltham, Watertown, Newton, and Needham last week. The theme of the tour, the science of success, highlighted the continued growth of the 128 corridor as a hub of innovation in both the tech and life science fields. With the strong talent pool coming out of the areas many top colleges and universities, companies look to Boston to plant their flag. However, with extremely limited availability in Cambridge and rents continuing to rise, Boston’s tech highway is a more affordable option. All of these employees also need housing options, spurring development in the multi-family sector. Despite a few hiccups along the way (I survived the fabled orange bus) it was another enjoyable and educational NAIOP program.

Highlights of the Tour

225 Wyman
As part of the Hobbs Brook Office Park, 225 Wyman will be the largest contiguous Class A office building along the Route 128 “technology belt”. Currently, demo is wrapping up on the site and construction is set to be complete in 2021. The building, designed by Gensler, will include both office and lab space and the “H” shape of the allows for many leasing configurations.

A rendering of the upcoming project at 225 Wyman Street.

828-830 Winter Street
Many life science companies in the market for space, need it ASAP! Looking to fill this type of demand King Street Properties has been building lab buildings like 828 Winter Street on spec. 828 Winter, completed in August 2018, is outfitted with a full MEP structure and column spacing to allow for an 11ft lab bench. The King Street team also discussed their upcoming project, Nexus Allston at the Allston Innovation Center. Currently, under review with the City of Boston, the development would include 3 buildings to feature office/lab, retail, and residential space. King Street expects to complete permitting by the end of this year and have first units/space ready for occupancy in Q1 2022.

Gauge
Hilco has completely renovated this 1940s-era brick-and-beam structure to provide creative office and R&D development space. Historic features of the building including high ceilings with expansive windows, skylights, and exposed brick interior walls. Utilities throughout the project were upgraded and a fitness center added to meet modern tenant expectations.

Bus tour attendees arrive at The Gauge in Waltham.

Elan Union Market
Developed and Managed by Greystar, this 282 unit project welcomed residents in June of last year and is currently wrapping up construction on the final residences. The luxury development features numerous amenities including an art gallery, pool, and resident lounge. The project is currently 55% occupied and 75% leased.

One of the resident lounge areas at Elan Union Market in Watertown.

Kendrick
At The Kendrick in Needham, the development team at Toll Brothers set out to create a not-so-typical apartment community. Their goal was to design a building with a high-end residential hotel feel that “made you look” with unique artwork, amenities, and finishes. Amenities at the Kendrick include an outdoor beer garden, fitness center with climbing walls, and a revolutionary coffee maker that allows residents to order coffee from their phones (said to cost around $10,000!).

One of the many unique common spaces at The Kendrick.

Northland Newton Development
Our final stop of the day was at the historic Saco-Pettee Mill building to hear more about Northland’s vision to create a vibrant live, work, play gateway in Newton’s Upper Falls.  The proposed project calls for 800 residential units, 173,000 square feet of office space, and 115,000 square feet of retail. 9.8 acres of open space within the development including 7 parks will provide ample green space for residents and visitors and a new streetscape will allow for easy access for pedestrians and bicyclists. By converting an aging, obsolete industrial complex into a dynamic community, Northland aims to promote smart growth within Newton.

A rendering of the proposed Northland Newton Project.