Kendall/MIT Outbound Station Entrance is open
From Commute to Community: Kendall Square Headhouse Reimagined with Rooftop Gathering Space and Accessibility Upgrades
Pictured above is a rendering of the upgraded outbound Kendall/MIT headhouse
Cambridge, MA — April 20, 2026 — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) today announced the official opening of the newly reconstructed Kendall/MIT outbound headhouse, marking a major milestone in accessibility, safety, and community connectivity for the heart of Cambridge’s innovation district.
The redesigned headhouse features a second elevator connecting the station platform to Main Street, plus street level windows, and increased lighting to create a brighter, safer, and more accessible experience for all riders. Above the station, the MBTA, City of Cambridge, BXP, and Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA) unveiled a new publicly accessible rooftop patio, the “UP Porch” prominently marked “Open to All.” The UP Porch links Main Street to the Urban Park (UP) public roof garden, offering lush plantings, seating areas, and a clear pedestrian pathway.
“The new Kendall headhouse and rooftop patio exemplify how public-private partnerships and thoughtful infrastructure design can facilitate creative enhancements to transit and open space facilities,” said Tom Evans, CRA Executive Director. “In partnership, we’re proud to be a part of a project that enhances daily commutes while creating a welcoming civic space for the community.” “The CRA Board urged us to design a project that would make a significant improvement to the public realm in the heart of Kendall Square, and this project has delivered."
“We envision the completed headhouse and porch as a benefit to the Cambridge community as a whole,” said Jeff Lowenberg, Senior Vice President of Development for BXP’s Boston region. “The redesigned headhouse will not only improve commuters’ experience but also provide additional accessible public space for people to gather and connect. We have a longstanding relationship with both the CRA and the MBTA, and we’re excited to come together to deliver an upgraded station experience and public amenity, right in the heart of Kendall Square.”
The project marks the culmination of several years of coordinated planning and implementation amongst the MBTA, BXP, Turner Construction, Pichard Chilton Architects, the City of Cambridge and the CRA. Collectively, these upgrades have transformed one of Cambridge’s busiest transportation hubs into a modern and vibrant gateway that embodies the district’s forward-thinking character.
The CRA remains deeply committed to the continued vitality of Kendall Square, as a thriving center of innovation and a mixed-use neighborhood—a place for people to gather, connect, and share ideas. Investments in high quality transit facilities and public spaces provide support for the scientific collaboration undertaken everyday in Kendall. Through strategic projects and partnerships within the redevelopment plan area, the CRA continues to foster a district that is dynamic, accessible, and welcoming to all.
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About Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA)
The Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA) is dedicated to enhancing quality of life in Cambridge through strategic redevelopment and urban planning initiatives. Established in 1956, the CRA plays a vital role in revitalizing neighborhoods, fostering economic development, and promoting sustainable growth. With a commitment to community engagement, the CRA collaborates with residents, businesses, and local organizations to build community infrastructure, catalyze economic opportunity, and create vibrant public spaces that reflect the diverse needs of the Cambridge community. For more information, visit the CRA website or follow us on LinkedIn or Instagram.
About BXP:
BXP, Inc. (NYSE: BXP) is the largest publicly traded developer, owner, and manager of premier workplaces in the United States, concentrated in six dynamic gateway markets - Boston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, DC. BXP has delivered places that power progress for our clients and communities for more than 55 years. BXP is a fully integrated real estate company, organized as a real estate investment trust (REIT). As of December 31, 2025, BXP’s portfolio, including properties owned by unconsolidated joint ventures, totaled 52.9 million square feet and 180 properties, including eight properties under construction or redevelopment. For more information, visit www.bxp.com or follow us on LinkedIn or Instagram.
