"It is on the market," concurs a source tracking the activity,with Grubb & Ellis, said to be orchestrating the sales processon behalf of Dupont Family Properties of Webster, MA. Calls toG&E were not returned, but industry watchers say the assignmentis being handled by brokers Philip Giunta and Karyn McFarland.Efforts to contact Dupont officials by press deadline wereunsuccessful.

Despite the silence among those involved, sources insist Dupontis harvesting the buildings after spending the past decadeassembling the portfolio. One broker familiar with the buildingsdescribe them as generally "well-maintained," but said there wouldlikely be some needed capital improvements under new ownership.Besides 101 Tremont St., sources say the buildings being soldinclude 37-39, 45 and 55 Bromfield St.

As to the potential for a redevelopment of the block, the brokersays nearby historic attractions could make it difficult to winheight allowances on a tight footprint, although the properties arenear the 19-story Nine Zero Hotel, erected earlier this decade. Thelack of input about the sale makes it difficult to peg a price, butobservers say they believe investors will be attracted to theopportunity. Among the perceived strengths is a location in theheart of Boston's most vibrant shopping district, one increasinglyseeing new uses, such as offices and condos. The area is expectedto receive a major boost when Gale International and Vornado RealtyTrust complete a 1.2 million-sf expansion of the nearby Filene'sDepartment Store into a mix of hotel, office, residential andretail space.