According to James Montgomery, Austin managing partner at DLAPiper, the firm is relocating to 401 Congress Ave. from 1221 S.Mopac Expwy. to take advantage of the greater convenience andamenities of a location in the heart of Downtown, a few blocks fromthe Texas State Capitol. "We're attracted to the vibrancy ofDowntown Austin, with its growing number of great restaurants andretail outlets and its access to Lady Bird Lake and residentialproperties," he says. "Our firm is looking forward to being in oneof Austin's premier Downtown addresses."

The lease is the building's largest one since Thomas acquiredthe 560,674-sf structure in June 2007. The LosAngeles-based company purchased the property and nine smalleroffice buildings in Austin from Blackstone Real Estate Advisors ofNew York City for $1.15 billion, reportedly the largest commercialreal estate deal in Texas history.

The Frost building and 11-story, 1,400-space parking garage wasthe largest asset in the portfolio and the most prominent. Built in2003, the distinctively designed structure has become a majorfeature of the city skyline.