Touted as the world's leading provider of temporary workspace,Regus now has more than 950 offices in 70 countries, but had notpreviously ventured into the corridor linking interstates 93 and495. Founded on technology-based companies, the I-495 North realestate market was battered during the high-tech bust that crushedsuburban Boston for several years this decade, but regional vicepresident Jeff Doughman says the area has recovered well. Not onlyis the technology sector on the mend, the addition of newindustries such as defense and medical devices are providing abroader base, according to the Regus official.

"Andover is home to hundreds of companies in the financialservices, legal and technology industries, just to name a few,"Doughman says. The company targeted Andover in response to customerdemand, he says, maintaining that companies are drawn by a skilledlabor force and proximity to both Downtown Boston and southern NewHampshire. Although entrepreneurs are expected to help fill the 68suites being offered at Brickstone Square, Doughman predicts manyof the Fortune 500 companies prevalent in the market will alsoutilize the venture's services. A board room and video-conferencingstudio will be available for clients.

One reason cited for the Brickstone selection was the range ofamenities available to tenants, Doughman says. The complex has3,000 parking spaces, landscaped courtyards, a day-care center and564-seat cafeteria. The park is equally happy to have the firm onboard so much so that Brickstone brokers Matt Daniels and ChrisLawrence initiated contact with Regus earlier this year. Not onlydoes Daniels feel the firm's pedigree as a global company enhancesthe park, he anticipates a side benefit of introducing prospectivetenants to the Chicago-based owner of Brickstone Square. "It's agood feeder system for us going forward," explains Daniels, asenior vice president with Meredith & Grew in Boston.