JLL named leasing agent for The Abbey Group's Lafayette Corporate Center - a six-story office and retail building

The Abbey Group named Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) to be the exclusive leasing agent for the Lafayette Corporate Center in the city's Financial District/Downtown Crossing area. The Lafayette Corporate Center is a six-story office and retail building consisting of approximately 575,000 s/f of office space and approximately 35,000 s/f of retail space. The center has direct access to Boston Hyatt Hotel, a 500-room four star hotel, as well as Macy's department store. "The Lafayette Corporate Center gives prospective tenants the power of being situated in a desirable location in the heart of Downtown Boston," Abbey Group chairman and CEO Robert Epstein said. "We are excited to work with JLL, a firm with a tremendous track record, to help attract companies to this unique location." Located at 2 Ave. de Lafayette, the Lafayette Corporate Center is bounded by Washington St. to the north, Macy's to the east, Chauncy St. and the Hyatt Hotel to the south and Ave. de Lafayette to the west. The easily accessible location has two MBTA stations, Downtown Crossing and Park Street station within two blocks. On-ramps to the Mass Pike and I-93 are only five blocks away, and Logan Airport is a ten minute drive. Underneath Lafayette Corporate Center is a three level parking garage with 1,056 spaces. According to JLL managing director Bill Barrack, "We are excited to partner with The Abbey Group on this outstanding opportunity. Lafayette Corporate Center is a highly efficient first class office project. The approximately 150,000 s/f availability offers a powerful infrastructure in a highly accessible location surrounded by Boston's best amenities." Joining Barrack on the leasing and marketing is senior vice presidents Ben Heller and Tom O'Regan. The Lafayette Corporate Center was built in 1982 as a three-story building, but was completely redeveloped in 1998-1999 with a new red brick, glass, metal façade, three additional floors and new systems. The property has dramatic entry on Ave. de Lafayette, with 10 inch finished ceilings and an airy, light central atrium. The Abbey Group purchased the property in 2002. The Abbey Group is a Boston-based real estate company founded in 1968. From its early years redeveloping urban Boston historic buildings into luxury residences and high quality offices, the firm has evolved into a prominent force in real estate and resort development. The Abbey Group has developed over 100 buildings used for commercial, retail, lab, residential and parking uses including the 45 PROVINCE, Landmark Center, Seasons resort on Mount Snow, Riverside Technology Center, Landmark Square Apartments and St. Germain Street Apartments. The Abbey Group is also a managing partner of the fabled Boston Celtics basketball team. Jones Lang LaSalle is a financial and professional services firm specializing in real estate. The firm offers integrated services delivered by expert teams worldwide to clients seeking increased value by owning, occupying or investing in real estate. With 2008 global revenue of $2.7 billion, Jones Lang LaSalle serves clients in 60 countries from 750 locations worldwide, including 180 corporate offices. The firm is an industry leader in property and corporate facility management services, with a portfolio of approximately 1.4 billion square feet worldwide. LaSalle Investment Management, the company's investment management business, is one of the world's largest and most diverse in real estate with more than $37 billion of assets under management. For further information, please visit our Web site, www.joneslanglasalle.com.