Boston, MA King Street Properties celebrated the groundbreaking of Allston Labworks, a $915 million project in the Allston neighborhood of the city. The 4.27-acre mixed-use project will be situated on the former Stadium Auto Body site on Western Ave. and will consist of 534,000 s/f of lab space, 20,000 s/f of retail, 35 residential units, and a 12,000 s/f public plaza with an additional 5,000 s/f of open space.

Previously used for traditional industrial and automotive, King Street is transition the underutilized stretch of Western Ave. to accommodate the modern life science industry and cutting-edge technologies at Allston Labworks. The DiStefano Family, longtime contributors to the local economy and owners of Stadium Autobody remain involved in the new development.

“We are so proud to be breaking ground on this site,” said Mike Diminico, managing director, King Street Properties. “Today marks the beginning of a true collaboration between development and community. Allston Labworks will not only bring new jobs to the local economy, provide needed housing, and support our vital life sciences sector, but will also provide ongoing engagement with students and neighbors, welcoming them to an industry that our team cares deeply about.”

A key highlight of the Allston Labworks development will be the Learning Lab, a science laboratory and classroom space hosting educational programs tailored for both the local community and for the ever-growing life sciences industry. King Street has partnered with BioBuilder Educational Foundation to run the Learning Lab. Created by an award-winning team at MIT, BioBuilder is committed to helping students access tools and programs to unlock their potential as life science innovators.

When complete, Allston Labworks will encompass three buildings. In addition to life sciences and educational functions, the development will also include 35 housing units, of which 26% will be affordable; working studio and gallery space to support the local artist community; and ground floor retail focused on local operators.

The project will be ready for tenant work in summer 2024, with tenant occupancy expected in Q4 2024.

The development team includes:

• Architect: DiMella Shaffer;
• MEP engineer: BR+A;
• Civil engineer: Howard Stein Hudson; and
• Contractor: Consigli Construction Company.