"I'm very sure that is happening," one industry source tellsGlobeSt.com, a notion supported by others tracking the situation.CDM earlier this year retained Cresa Partners to explore optionsboth north and south of the headquarters, a process initiallyreported by GlobeSt.com in its March 24th edition. According tosources, however, upper management nixed the plan in a late-stagereversal made for reasons not divulged. There are reports OneCambridge Place landlord MetLife produced a more competitive offer,but sources also relay there were doubts about the efficiency ofrunning two separate operations.

Calls to CDM Chairman Thomas Furman Jr., Cresa Partners and OneCambridge Place's exclusive leasing agent, Lincoln Property Co.,were not returned by press deadline. It is unclear whether therenewal agreement has been finalized, but sources indicate the termis for 10 years and estimate a competitive rate in the low$40-per-sf range. That sphere would be a relative bargain inCambridge, but is tops for the suburbs and a level normally onlyseen in core markets such as Waltham and Lexington.

A lack of office space has prompted several Cambridge companiesto consider—and realize—defections during the past 24 months,including some possessing lengthy histories in the city. Founded bythree scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology,CDM has been in Cambridge for the past 20 years, and observersconceded it would be a blow to the community should theinternationally known firm exit. Despite the high-profilerelocations, Cambridge has scored a few prized retentions as well,with the Monitor Group last year renewing at 2 Canal Park in EastCambridge after threatening to leave. "It's definitely a good thingfor Cambridge," one source says of CDM's apparent change ofheart.