Chapman Construction/Design awarded Akebia Therapeutics headquarters project

Waltham, MA Chapman Construction/Design (Chapman), a construction management company specializing in high-performance building, has been awarded the construction of a new headquarters space for Akebia Therapeutics at the 180 CityPoint life sciences building. Chapman will work directly with property owner, BXP, the largest publicly traded developer, owner, and manager of Class A office properties in the United States, to meet Akebia’s occupancy goals.

Akebia Therapeutics is a trusted leader in the renal community delivering innovative products to people with kidney disease. The lease for its current headquarters in Cambridge will expire in September 2026, at which time it will relocate to 180 CityPoint. Chapman will work closely with BXP to ensure the new core and shell space reflects the unique needs of Akebia, which is recognized for the development and commercialization of therapeutics based on novel science and mechanisms of action.

Chapman’s experience with corporate, laboratory, and fast-track construction all played a role in its selection to oversee the project. Akebia’s future headquarters will include 28,518 s/f of office space and 14,956 s/f of laboratory space. Key aspects of the build-out include specialty lighting, a glass office facade, laboratory millwork and glazing, and specialized laboratory equipment including fume hoods, a tepid water system tied into the existing infrastructure, a lab vacuum system, CO2 and nitrogen systems, and supporting mechanical components.

The 26-week project will turn the finished space over in two phases, with the office areas completed first and the laboratory shortly thereafter. Chapman will work with the project architect Stantec to ensure the timely delivery of each phase.