Cambridge Planning Board receives proposals for revised zoning regulations in Kendall Square, put forward by MIT
MIT's One Broadway development is undergoing significant changes, as reported by Provost Kaiser. The institute is set to provide up to $10 million of community benefits through a concept proposed by the K2 Committee, and an additional $4 million will be contributed to the City's Affordable Housing Trust [1].
One of the most notable changes is the transformation of the One Broadway addition from primarily commercial to primarily residential, with a focus on innovation space. This shift sees the proposed housing units increase from 120 to as many as 300 units [2]. A "Community Living Room" for public cultural and educational programming will also be included in the proposal [3].
The development, part of the Kendall Square innovation district, currently houses flexible office and coworking spaces managed by CIC Cambridge. These spaces cater to startups, corporations, and nonprofits, fostering innovation with amenities such as fully stocked kitchens and enterprise-grade internet [5].
The updated plans include the leasing of space to Biogen, following the planning board approval in May 2023. MIT and Biogen signed a lease agreement in March 2025, indicating progress in the development of One Broadway as a commercial and research hub [1].
In addition to Main Street, Broad Canal, Point Park with access to the Charles River, and MIT's Infinite Corridor are now featured areas for vibrant public interaction [4]. The retail space for One Broadway is also planned to be district-wide, not just around the MBTA station area [6].
To ensure community involvement, Provost Kaiser has indicated a plan for the Institute to implement a participative conceptual gateway design process for the One Broadway addition, integrating with planning for the rest of the East Campus area [7].
These updates mark a significant step in the evolution of One Broadway, transforming it into a vibrant residential and innovation hub that integrates seamlessly with the surrounding community.
[1] MIT News - [Link to the MIT News article] [2] MIT News - [Link to the MIT News article] [3] MIT News - [Link to the MIT News article] [4] MIT News - [Link to the MIT News article] [5] CIC Cambridge - [Link to the CIC Cambridge website] [6] MIT News - [Link to the MIT News article] [7] MIT News - [Link to the MIT News article]
- The focus of MIT's One Broadway development is shifting towards innovation space and residential units, as reported by Provost Kaiser, with an increase in housing units from 120 to as many as 300.
- The proposed Community Living Room will cater to public cultural and educational programming within the One Broadway addition.
- CIC Cambridge manages flexible office and coworking spaces within the development, fostering innovation with amenities such as fully stocked kitchens and enterprise-grade internet.
- The updated plans include the leasing of space to Biogen, transforming One Broadway into a commercial and research hub, following the planning board approval in May 2023.
- In addition to main street, Broad Canal, Point Park, and MIT's Infinite Corridor, the One Broadway development will offer areas for vibrant public interaction and district-wide retail space.
- To ensure community involvement, Provost Kaiser has plans to implement a participative conceptual gateway design process for the One Broadway addition, integrating with planning for the rest of the East Campus area.
