Once a pivotal hub for military production overseeing the serene flow of the Charles River, the Alexandria Center® for Life Science at the Arsenal on the Charles is poised for a revolutionary makeover. This iconic site is transforming remarkably into an innovative campus dedicated to life sciences advancement. Central to the Arsenal on the Charles transformation are three groundbreaking buildings, all meticulously designed by SGA.
Courtesy of SGA
Transforming the Arsenal on the Charles into a Cutting-edge Life Sciences Campus
One of these remarkable structures is the 500 North Beacon Street. This architectural marvel not only pays homage to the campus’s storied past but also infuses it with a modern flair. Comprising a four-story edifice enveloped in elegant vertical copper fins and a glass-fronted lower volume boasting a spacious fourth-floor terrace, the building seamlessly merges history with contemporary aesthetics. Importantly, sustainability is at its core, as evidenced by its pursuit of LEED Gold and Fitwel certifications.
Courtesy of SGA
Another jewel in this campus’s crown is the 4 Kingsbury Avenue building. Nestled strategically on the campus’s perimeter along Kingsbury Avenue, this facility boasts an airiness that encourages transparency and interaction. Drawing inspiration from the campus’s historical structures, the first three floors sport brick detailing, weaving the past into the present. Its glass façade not only fosters visual connections to the new arrival court but also sets it apart from its red-brick neighbors. True to the campus’s commitment to sustainability, 4 Kingsbury Avenue is also vying for LEED Gold and Fitwel certifications.
Courtesy of SGA
Undoubtedly, a highlight of the Arsenal on the Charles transformation is the new West Garage pavilion. This 6,000-square-foot addition on the north face of the existing parking garage is a testament to the campus’s vitality along the Charles River. The pavilion, with its net-zero design and an aluminum mesh canopy acting as an open rain screen, is a nod to the site’s industrial legacy. Its wooden-clad steel structure further echoes the historic industrial character of the area. This pavilion exemplifies the campus’s dedication to sustainable innovation, aligning perfectly with its LEED Gold and Fitwel ambitions.
Courtesy of SGA
The Alexandria Center® for Life Science’s evolution at the Arsenal on the Charles is not just about constructing buildings; it’s about shaping an environment that nurtures scientific progress while respecting its historical foundations. Through the fusion of innovation and heritage, this campus stands as a beacon of promise, poised to lead the way in life sciences for years to come.
