While none of the principals are talking, Blackstone isreportedly teaming up with Walton Street Capital, a Chicago-basedgroup that focuses on value-added and opportunistic investments."They are the ones," insists a Boston investment specialisttracking the deal.

Although it is considered a class A property, the 41-story towerwould seem to fit Walton's investment strategy, given the amount ofwork that needs to be done. Now 30 years old, it needs asubstantial overhaul, according to a source who previously lookedat the property on behalf of another suitor.

Despite those supposed shortcomings, and the decision last yearby Hines Interests to back out of an agreement to buy the tower,many observers see the building as a good investment. Along with astrong management team in Jones Lang LaSalle, the property islocated in the heart of the Financial District, and has the addedbonus of substantial lease rollover occurring in the next fewyears.