"The relocation allows ProspectivDirect to address its currentand future expansion needs, and provides Taurus with anotherhigh-quality tenant at this signature location," says Peter Carboneof Boston-based Taurus New England Investments in announcing thepact. "We are pleased that ProspectivDirect has decided on ourbuilding as its home for years to come." Terms of the deal were notprovided, but CB Richard Ellis reports that the average asking ratefor the Route 128 North submarket is $25.73 per sf.

CBRE principal Mark Reardon negotiated terms for the landlord,while Edward Carbone of Carbone Real Estate handled the assignmentfor ProspectivDirect, a provider of on-line marketing services.Harvard Mills is a fully renovated complex containing 233,000-sf offirst class office space and featuring brick-and-beam finishes,oversized windows and efficient floor plates. The property has itsown parking garage and also abuts a commuter rail line connectingdirectly to Downtown Boston.

According to CBRE, first quarter leasing activity in the16.4-million-sf Route 128 North office market dropped offsignificantly after a robust 2007. The submarket posted just 15,000sf of positive net absorption for the quarter, keeping the vacancyrate relatively static at 17.3%.