Adam Saphier, Trammell Crow principal, tells GlobeSt.com that WorleyParsons had expansion on the radar even as the company was moving into its new headquarters at 585 N. Dairy Ashford last May. Energy Center II is a joint venture project between TCC and Principal Real Estate Investors, and was completed last spring. "That's one of the things I think (WorleyParsons) liked about Energy Center II, is that there was additional space they could expand into," Saphier remarks.

He goes on to say that the two leases, the original one signed early in 2009, and the more recent one, are co-terminus. The expansion now means WorleyParsons will occupy floors six and seven, in addition to the top five floors and a portion of the ground floor in the 12-story Energy Center II.

WorleyParsons Group Inc. was represented by Louis B. Cushman, vice chairman, and Courtney D. Estenson, associate, with Cushman & Wakefield of Texas, Inc. in the transaction. Trammell Crow Company was represented by Steve Rocher, CB Richard Ellis senior vice president.

Energy Center II is now 74% leased. Saphier says no other leases are outstanding, but things are starting to pick up. Office fundamentals have been weak for the past several months, he points out, but that's changing.

"I'm not sure if brokers are coming back from summer vacation or people are becoming more confident when it comes to making long-term commitments or a combination of the two," Saphier says, "but we're thrilled to see more tenants poking around the property."