More than 28,000 square foot lease elevates 1215 E. Fort Avenue to 100% occupancy
BALTIMORE, MD (October 13, 2016) – Comcast Corporation has signed a lease with 28 Walker Development for more than 28,000 square feet of space within 1215 E. Fort Avenue in McHenry Row in Baltimore City. The company, which currently operates a regional corporate office in the White Marsh section of Baltimore County, plans to relocate approximately 140 employees to the downtown area at the beginning of next year. Joe Nolan and David Fritz of NAI KLNB represented the landlord and Richie Blue of Blue &Obrecht Realty and Jeff Flynn of JLL represented the tenant in this transaction.
McHenry Row is a 20-acre mixed-use project that currentlycontains 250 apartment units, 300,000 square feet of commercial office space, a Harris Teeter grocery store and complementary restaurants and retailers. In the past several months, Samos Greek Island Grill; Diamondback Brewing Company, a locally-owned craft brewery andRuby 8 Noodle and Sushihave signed leases at the project.
1215 E. Fort Avenue, also known as The Banner Building, is a four-story, 215,000 square foot Class “A” office building, that was completely renovated and expanded by 28 Walker Development upon its purchase three years ago. This lease elevates the building to 100% occupancy. Some of the tenants include Under Armour, Gilbane Construction, Kimley Horn, Maryland Auto Insurance Fund, Martin-Lauer Associates, Mindgrub, Navigator Management Partners and the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults.
“Companies such as Comcast Corporation are increasingly attracted to office space that offers its employees a high-energy and stimulating environment,” stated Mark Sapperstein of 28 Walker Development. “The availability of many different restaurant options just a short walk away, an outdoor setting that enables employees to unwind and relax and the overall ambiance of the project remain significant draws for office users. The company also has direct access to Interstate 95, free parking and instant connections to all points in the downtown area.”
“A reoccurring theme in corporate real estate searches is the desire among companies to select offices in locations that will help motivate, attract and retain employees,” explained Joe Nolan, Principal of NAI KLNB. “This is especially common among firms with a high percentage of millennials working for the company, or those that face strong competition for quality talent. Forward-thinking organizations understand the extreme advantages that can created over the long-term with office space locations that contribute to the overall branding and attractiveness of the company.”
“The success of McHenry Row is a testament to the desirability of mixed-use developments in neighborhoods throughout Baltimore,” said William H. Cole, president and CEO of the Baltimore Development Corporation. “The fact that companies continue to look to the City for growth and expansion shows that Baltimore has the ability to attract a wide variety of businesses and workers.This business growth in a creative mix of office, retail and residential reinforces the appeal of a vibrant live, work, and play environment.”
For additional information about McHenry Row, visit www.McHenryRow.com
