Waymo Leases 65,000-Square-Foot Industrial Site in Malden

The autonomous vehicle company has secured a facility in Malden as it pursues expansion in Massachusetts.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Commercial

Bold vector illustration of a generic industrial warehouse building with brick walls and glass windows, representing infrastructure expansion. — Waymo has leased a 65,000-square-foot industrial facility in Malden, Massachusetts, as the company scales its autonomous vehicle testing operations. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Waymo has signed a full-building lease for an industrial property at 180 Charles St. in Malden. The company occupies the entire 65,000-square-foot facility as it seeks regulatory approval for autonomous taxi operations in the state.

Why it matters

Securing local infrastructure is a key step for Waymo to scale its self-driving operations. The company has been testing autonomous vehicles in the Greater Boston area since early 2025.

The industrial building at 180 Charles St. covers 3.8 acres and features 25-foot clear heights. The property was previously acquired for $24.45 million in 2022.

The players

Waymo

Waymo is an autonomous driving technology company that develops self-driving cars and ride-hailing services.

Jessica Giannino

Jessica Giannino is a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives who has proposed legislation regarding autonomous vehicle safety.

The details

Waymo occupies the single-story building that was originally completed in 1977. This expansion coincides with ongoing legislative efforts, including a bill filed by Rep. Jessica Giannino in 2025 that would mandate human backup drivers in autonomous vehicles.

1977: The industrial building at 180 Charles St. was completed.
2022: The property was acquired for $24.45 million.
Winter 2025: Waymo began testing autonomous vehicles in Greater Boston.
2025: Rep. Jessica Giannino filed legislation regarding vehicle safety.
Q3 2026: Industrial vacancy rates rose to 10.4 percent.

Culture Shift

This move signals a broader transition toward integrating automated transport into urban environments, despite ongoing public and legislative debates over safety. The shift reflects how tech firms are increasingly claiming industrial real estate to secure a permanent footprint in competitive local markets.

Residents in Malden may see increased activity or testing of autonomous vehicles in the area as the company develops its operations. The lease also highlights shifting industrial trends in the region as vacancy rates in Greater Boston reached 10.4 percent.

The takeaway

Waymo is establishing a physical presence in Malden to accelerate its autonomous taxi goals in the Massachusetts market. The company's future operation of these vehicles remains subject to ongoing legislative review regarding safety standards.