Located primarily in eastern Massachusetts, the KS portfolio isnot only bucking a typically torpid time for leasing, but one thatthis summer has been deemed particularly lethargic. KS Partners is"buried," says Macnamara, reporting 63 serious negotiations inplay. "It has been busy across the board," he relays, citing fourMassachusetts deals nearing completion at the Dedham ExecutiveCenter in the Route 128 South market, while 700 Technology Park Dr.in Billerica, MA, is about to reach full occupancy. The adjacent900 Technology Park Dr. this week is welcoming Aastra Telecom USinto nearly half of that 40,000-sf building, while an affiliate ofCaritas Christi has committed to 21,000 sf at 3 Riverside Dr. inAndover, MA. Also, Becker College just took 4,600 sf at 337Turnpike Rd. in Southborough, a 39,000-sf flex/office buildingowned by KS in suburban Boston's MetroWest market.

As for 9 Townsend West, one letter of intent is in place for asubstantial piece of the 87,000 sf still available, and Macnamarasays exclusive leasing agent Thomas Farrelly of Cushman &Wakefield's New Hampshire office has plenty of prospects circlingover the remaining portion. The commitment by data storage giantEMC further enhances the address, says Macnamara, with the firmexpanding by 17,000 sf. "It was a great deal to get done," hesays.

Besides experienced on-site property management, 9 Townsend Westhas the physical attributes to attract technology firms, saysMacnamara, who spent several years repositioning the former DigitalEquipment Corp. headquarters in Maynard from an aging mill complexinto one that today houses a slate of 21st century enterprises suchas Monster.com.