105 Broadway/Image courtesy of BXP

BXP unveiled proposed changes to the next phase of its MXD District in Cambridge’s Kendall Square, including an option for two smaller commercial buildings that reflect “evolving market conditions.”

In a submission to Cambridge officials, a BXP executive wrote that the changes would provide more flexibility as conditions in commercial leasing “remain in flux from systemic changes to work behavior that have persisted beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The first option is the previously approved redevelopment of 250 Binney St., with construction of a new 372,822 square-foot commercial building.

The alternative would shrink the 250 Binney St. building to 223,515 square feet, while adding a 146,757 square-foot building at 105 Broadway. The alternative plan would not increase the overall density of the 5 million square-foot master-planned development. Both smaller buildings have proposed heights of 250 feet.

The plans also reflect “contractual rights” of the current tenant of 250 Binney St. that could push the groundbreaking for the project until 2034, BXP Senior Vice President Jeff Lowenberg wrote in the filing.

“Development alternatives will allow the flexibility to potentially deliver a project – and associated mitigations to the public – in a timelier fashion,” the filing states.

250 Binney St. subtenant Brammer Bio sued sublandlord Biogen and BXP in 2023, seeking to block demolition of its contract drug manufacturing building.

In April 2024, Brammer Bio filed a lawsuit against BXP in Suffolk Superior Court, alleging breach of contract, trespass and nuisance. The lawsuit alleges that BXP has violated Brammer’s property rights during construction of its 290 Binney St. lab tower, which is leased to AstraZeneca.

The case remains active, and attorneys for both sides recently requested an extension of the Oct. 31 deadline for fact discovery.

The changes are subject to approval by the Cambridge Planning Board and Cambridge Redevelopment Authority.

Image courtesy of BXP