"Northland is very pleased to support Sepracor's continuingexpansion needs at 33 Locke Dr.," says Richards Barry Joyce &Partners VP Paul Leone, a broker for the landlord on a teamincluding RBJ principals John Lashar and Michael Frisoli. Thetenant was represented by Joseph Fallon and Eric Foster of FHOPartners. Reasons cited for Sepracor's commitment at 33 Locke Dr.include the substantial level of laboratory space available, ampleparking and proximity to Sepracor's headquarters, which is locatedat 111 Locke Dr. Combined, the factors made 33 Locke Dr., "a verypractical and efficient choice," says Leone.

Forged by the computer hardware industry a quarter-century ago,the I-495 West CRE market has become increasingly attractive tolife sciences firms lured by plentiful, cheaper space than thatfound closer in to Boston. Natick-based Boston Scientific Corp. isamong the companies now seeking relief from tight space conditionsin its neighborhood, one whose vacancy rate is now consistently insingle digits. "The next logical step is to push west," offersLeone. Another recent transplant has been Cytyc Corp., a lifesciences firm now headquartered at the Campus at Marlborough officepark. The company also operates a manufacturing facility out of thenearby 445 Simarano Dr.

Sepracor, on the other hand, was among the pioneers of the I-495West biotech sector, with its roots there dating back to the 1990s.In 2002, the firm acquired a 192,000-sf building it occupied for$34.7 million, and the company is in several other properties thereas well. Listed on Nasdaq under the symbol SEPR, Sepracor's corebusiness is in treating respiratory and disorders of the centralnervous system.