The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, a branch of the Smithsonian Institution, currently occupies space in three buildings in Cambridge and considered a number of locations both within and outside the city before selecting Cambridge Discovery Park.

The project, which is owned and is being developed by the Bulfinch Cos., will be designed and constructed to meet Smithsonian's specialized research and scientific requirements. The master plan for the redevelopment of what was then known as Acorn Park was charted nearly four years ago when the city approved and local residents supported a rezoning that phased development and required eventual restoration of wetland areas.

Smithsonian was represented by Darryl Morse and Drew Nelson of the Codman Co., while Bulfinch was represented by its director of leasing, Michael Wilcox, along with Cambridge Discovery Park's leasing agent, Jon Varholak, partner of Richards Barry Joyce and Partners. The existing Cambridge Discovery Park campus is located in a 40-acre wooded environment and serves as the headquarters for a number of tenants including Tiax, LLC and Nuvera Fuel Cells.