The 282,000-sf property will be stripped to its steel andrebuilt with a third level. The asset, redesign by Bostonarchitectural firm Elkus/Manfredi, features a masonry-and-glassexterior and extensive landscaping.

As in other parts of the country, the maturation of thetelecommunications industry has had a dramatic impact on Boston'scommercial real estate industry. From virtually nothing two yearsago, the region has seen demand for data centers explode to morethan two million sf, according to Insignia/ESG. Similar projectsare underway in suburban communities such as Waltham, Watertown andBurlington.

Initially conceived as a multi-tenant telecom and Internetfacility, that plan was significantly altered when Globix committedto the entire site, according to CC&F president Jay Doherty. Heexpressed confidence in the project's prospects given thebuilding's proximity to a major fiber-optic line, as well as itsstrong floor loads and elevated ceilings. It will also featureraised floors and drop ceilings to accommodate power and networkcable. Globix will open its fourth data center when the Allstonproperty comes on line in the second quarter of next year. It hasother facilities in New York City, Santa Clara, CA and London.