After nearly two decades headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, CarGurus has shifted gears and moved into a sprawling new global headquarters in Boston’s Back Bay.
The move reflects CarGurus’ ongoing dedication to fostering innovation and collaboration, all while providing employees with an inspiring, inclusive and future-forward workspace.
Located at 1001 Boylston Street, CarGurus’ new home is part of the dynamic new Lyrik Back Bay project and represents a significant step forward in supporting the company’s hybrid work culture. It spans the top 10 floors of the 21-story building and is designed with flexibility and inclusivity at its core.
“Historically, we were spread across three separate offices in Cambridge,” Facilities Manager John Hart explained. “When this opportunity arose, our executive team jumped at the chance to unite all Boston-area employees under one roof. It’s been a transformative shift for our culture and operations.”
Inside 1001 Boylston
The 225,000-square-foot office was crafted with input from employees. The result is a space that seamlessly integrates work and collaboration needs, making it both functional and inspiring.
Features include:
- 10 floors with 900+ work points
- 100+ meeting rooms and 30 collaborative spaces
- Central social spaces, libraries and wellness rooms
- Two top-floor roof decks and balconies on every floor
- Kitchens on every floor, stocked with snacks and coffee
- An Atomic Coffee Roasters barista bar operating five days a week
- Game rooms with beer and cold brew on tap
- Private lactation suites to support parents at work
- Secure space for bikes and scooters
- Access to a 24/7 building fitness center with locker room, showers and laundry service
“Our new space is designed to help employees be the most productive versions of themselves.” explained Hart. “It’s a workspace that truly supports everyone, regardless of their role or preferences.”
When the process of designing the new offices began in 2019, the pandemic — and shift to hybrid work that followed — unlocked opportunities to reimagine the space in order to support flexible work.
“The timing of Covid-19 gave us a unique opportunity to reflect on the build and the design,” Hart explained. “We doubled down on our goals of collaboration, connectivity and innovation, and enhancing the productivity of our employees. It inspired us to bring more comforts of home into the office.”
A Space Designed for All
“We wanted to create an office that fit everyone’s needs, whether they’re working on a tight deadline, brainstorming as a team or simply taking a moment to recharge,” Hart told Built In. “From lactation suites and gender-neutral restrooms to fully accessible conference rooms, inclusivity is reflected in the design.”
CarGurus also leaned heavily on employee feedback during the design process.
“We set up testing areas in Cambridge where employees could try different chairs, monitors and desks,” said IT Service Desk Manager Lauren Paprocki. “This allowed us to tailor the new space to meet their preferences and ensure they feel supported. We want every employee to feel at home here.”
“We want every employee to feel at home here.”
Meeting spaces are equipped with cutting-edge technology to support hybrid collaboration. “Every room is outfitted with whiteboards, modular furniture and large screens with Google Meet capabilities,” Paprocki added. “In most, the camera pans to the speaker, helping remote participants feel included. It’s these touches that make hybrid work feel seamless.”
“The concept of choice was also key during the design phase,” added Project Manager Seanna McCall. “Each floor has several ‘neighborhoods,’ and within these are different types of lighting, seating and workstations. People can choose the setups that make sense for them and their teams on a given day or for a specific meeting. These options also keep people moving around and bumping into different colleagues throughout the day.”
Spotlight on Sustainability
CarGurus’ new headquarters is in the Lyrik Back Bay development, a triple-certified LEED Gold, WELL and WiredScore building that prioritizes sustainability and wellness. Its infrastructure supports alternative transportation modes, including dedicated bike lanes, enhanced pedestrian access and connectivity to bus routes and the MBTA Green Line. A half-acre park plaza and thoughtfully designed green spaces invite people to spend more time outdoors, enjoying nearby cafes, shops and community events year round.
Amenities That Elevate the Employee Experience
Amenities were carefully chosen to promote wellness, interaction and productivity. Employees can enjoy an in-building 24/7 fitness center, private meditation rooms and fully-wired rooftop decks and balconies with views of the Charles River and Fenway Park.
“The sunset on the rooftop is unbeatable,” said Paprocki. “The views are stunning, and it’s a great way to end the day.”
Other perks include libraries for quiet work, game rooms and balance boards on every floor.
“The natural light and greenery throughout the space create an uplifting atmosphere,” said Paprocki. “The libraries, in particular, are my favorite — they’re quiet, serene and perfect for deep focus.”
In addition, five state-of-the-art training rooms underscore CarGurus' commitment to employees’ learning and development.
“The space is full of places where employees can recharge and thrive,” McCall added. “From the moment you step in, you can feel the intention behind every detail.”
“From the moment you step in, you can feel the intention behind every detail.”
There are private wellness rooms on eight floors for employees to use for personal health, wellness, spiritual or religious needs — designed with employee feedback in mind. “We worked with our ERGs and DEIB Council to ensure they’d be comfortable for everyone regardless of their use case,” explained McCall.
The office fills with sunlight through floor-to-ceiling windows and incorporates wood textures and greenery for a biophilic design that connects employees with nature.
Another bright space is the café area, where employees gather to enjoy lunches delivered directly to the office, with CarGurus’ $15 daily stipend fully covering most orders. Most if not all parking and transit costs are paid through commuter benefits, and there's a $300 quarterly stipend for employees who walk, bike or scooter.
“We want to make it easy for people to take advantage of all we have to offer,” Hart explains.
A Foundation for Growth and Innovation
The move to Boston’s Back Bay signifies more than just a change in address; it’s a statement of CarGurus’ commitment to its employees and the region. The office supports nearly 1,000 Boston-based employees while fostering growth and collaboration.
“This move is about more than just a new office — it’s about building a community,” said Hart. “We’ve created a space where everyone can thrive and connect, no matter how or where they work.”
“This move is about more than just a new office — it’s about building a community. We’ve created a space where everyone can thrive and connect, no matter how or where they work.”
With its Back Bay headquarters, CarGurus has truly hit the accelerator on its mission to innovate and inspire — all while offering employees a workplace as dynamic as they are.
