LEGO, the popular toy company, has announced that it will be leasing 100,000 square feet of space in Boston’s 1001 Boylston St. building for its new headquarters. The building will also house the headquarters of car-shopping website CarGurus Inc. The space will be enough to accommodate between 700 and 750 workers and LEGO plans to move there in phases, with the Boston headquarters expected to open by mid-2025 and the Connecticut office closing by the end of 2026.
The decision to move from its long-held Connecticut campus was not taken lightly by LEGO’s leadership. The company’s president in the Americas, Skip Kodak, explained that the workforce, location, and amenities they were looking for had changed significantly over the years. The new office’s location near downtown Boston and Cambridge, access to public transportation, and sustainable building elements were all factors that attracted LEGO to the space. Additionally, being close to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) presents opportunities for collaboration, as LEGO has been partnering with MIT for nearly 40 years.
The new office will provide LEGO with the opportunity to create a space that inspires creativity and engagement. Kodak emphasized that it shouldn’t just be rows of desks, but rather a fun and inspiring environment for employees.
The move to Boston follows LEGO’s recent opening of a headquarters campus in Billund, Denmark, as well as its plans for a $1 billion manufacturing facility in Virginia and another factory in Vietnam. The company is experiencing global growth and the Boston headquarters will further contribute to its expansion.
The 1001 Boylston St. building, where LEGO will be located, is already 75 percent leased for its office and lab portion. The project also includes a CitizenM hotel, a new MBTA station entrance, and a public plaza with retail and restaurants. The location, situated between Boylston and Newbury Streets, has historically been unfriendly to pedestrians and cyclists, but efforts have been made to improve the area’s accessibility and safety.
LEGO was a highly sought-after tenant, given the current instability in Boston’s office market. The company’s decision to move its headquarters is seen as a major statement and the leasing process was competitive. CarGurus has already installed its sign on the building’s exterior, and while there are no plans for a LEGO logo yet, the possibility of partnering with the developer for signage is being considered.
LEGO’s move to Boston signifies a new chapter for the company and its commitment to growth and collaboration. The new headquarters will provide a vibrant and inspiring space for employees and open up opportunities for partnerships in the Boston area.
What were the key workforce needs and location preferences that influenced LEGO’s decision to establish its new headquarters in Boston’s 1001 Boylston St. building?
Re key factors in LEGO’s decision to establish its new headquarters in Boston’s 1001 Boylston St. building.
LEGO, the well-known toy company, has recently announced an exciting development in its plans for a new headquarters. The company has decided to lease a massive 100,000 square feet of space in the esteemed 1001 Boylston St. building located in Boston. Notably, this building will also house the headquarters of CarGurus Inc., a popular car-shopping website.
The decision to establish a new headquarters in Boston was not taken lightly by LEGO’s leadership. Skip Kodak, the President of LEGO in the Americas, emphasized that changing workforce needs, evolving location preferences, and updated amenity requirements played a significant role in this decision.
With the new space in Boston, LEGO aims to accommodate approximately 700 to 750 employees. The company plans to implement a phased approach in its relocation, with the Boston headquarters projected to be fully operational by mid-2025. In parallel, the Connecticut office is expected to close by the end of 2026.
Location played a pivotal role in LEGO’s decision, with the new office being situated close to downtown Boston and Cambridge, offering excellent accessibility to these bustling areas. Additionally, the presence of reliable public transportation options and sustainable building elements further added to the appeal of the chosen location.
Overall, LEGO’s move to establish its new headquarters in Boston highlights the company’s dedication to adapting to evolving workforce needs and creating a modern and sustainable office space for its employees. The decision underscores the importance of location, amenities, and accessibility in meeting the changing demands of the business world.
