Law Firm Signs 28,000-SF Lease

Edwards Angell, which has 10 offices in the US, is expected to take occupancy of its new offices at 20 Church St. by mid-year 2008. The 23-story, 425,000-sf building is part of Hampshire Partners Fund IV, a $235-million institutional real estate investment fund.

"As our firm continues to grow in the Hartford market, it has become necessary for us to move to a location that can accommodate our growth," notes Charles Welsh, partner-in-charge of the Hartford Office of EAPD. "We decided up front that it would be foolish for us to build space without considering the environment when doing so. We are building green space. We found architects who understood this desire and an owner who supports these efforts and has the ability to accomplish it without compromising our state-of-the-art office technology."

John McCormick, Patrick Mulready and Alexis Augsberger of CB Richard Ellis' Hartford office represented Hampshire in the transaction. Edwards Angell was represented by Jim Boyle of DTZ/FHO Partners of Boston and Bill Farley, Tom York and Bob Botters of CB Richard Ellis' Hartford office.

Todd Anderson, senior investment manager of the Hampshire Cos., states that since the firm acquired the property last year it has undertaken an extensive capital upgrade program to bring the property up to class A status. Recent upgrades have included a new lobby, elevators, HVAC system and concierge service. Currently the seventh floor is under construction. The owner plans to build out a conference center and is also planning a fitness center at the building.

Earlier this year another major law firm landed at 20 Church St. In April the intellectual law firm Cantor Colburn LLP announced it would be relocating its office in Bloomfield to 20 Church St. The firm signed a long-term lease for approximately 50,000 sf.