The leases are the first major ones at E-port. Previously, theChicago-based divine interVentures, an Internet incubator company,had been negotiating for space at E-port, but recently scuttled theplan. RCN Corp., one of the largest providers of high-speedInternet access in the country, will lease 82,000 sf. RCNÕsacquisition of 21st Century late last year has enabled it toincrease the number of Internet subscribers in Chicago that usedigital subscriber lines (DSLs), and also spurred it to seek newspace.

WorldCom, a local and long-distance phone provider, will occupy146,000 sf of E-port. WorldCom, operating under the MCI WorldComname, is the second-largest long-distance carrier in the UnitedStates.E-port is being developed by a team consisting of NewYork-based Taconic Partners, Chicago-based Centrum Properties,Amerimar Enterprises and Angelo Gordon and Co. "Top-tier companiesare E-portÕs target tenants," says Paul Fishbein, vp for Amerimar,leasing agent for the project. " We still have large spaces for neweconomy businesses, telecom companies, and broadband providers."All together, the partners are investing roughly $150 million toconvert the building. E-port will offer high-ceilings, abundantriser space, flexible HVAC systems, high electric capacity and 24/7access and security.