SS&D will occupy nearly 20,000 sf on the eighth floor ofRondo 1, an 800,000-sf development acquired last year by apartnership of Australian investor Macquarie and UK-based London& Regional Properties for a price said to exceed $350 million.Despite having just opened in 2005, the sale was the third suchevent for the tower, reflecting investment interest in Warsaw thathas continued to heighten as a result of the solid economy.

Designed by American architectural giant Skidmore Owens &Merrill and constructed to address a dearth of modern space in thecity, Rondo 1 has proven to be a popular option among users. Uponclosing last summer, the new owners unveiled a strategy to increasethe presence of global tenants, which at the time comprised abouthalf the occupancy. While they did not disclose what the currentlevel is, the landlords initially expressed a desire to attain afigure closer to 80%. Current occupants include Calyon, Ernst &Young and Volkswagen.

A multi-disciplinary law firm whose practice extends into Asiaand the Americas, DD&S anticipates the Rondo 1 office will openby November. The tenant was represented in negotiations by ColliersInternational. The Colliers brokerage team was led by MarekCiunowicz, associate director, who explains that the building wasselected due to a combination of quality product and layoutflexibility, plus Rondo 1's location near the city's main transitstation. "Rondo 1 is not only cutting-edge modern architecture, butit also includes excellent facilities," says Ciunowicz, includingample common areas to foster interaction among tenants, plusextensive parking.