Colliers International Boston's Week In Review
Real Estate Articles of Note
February 9 – February 15, 2019
The following represents articles of interest to the Boston real estate community that appeared in various publications during the week. Certain news links may require site registration or subscription to access the complete article.
GE to sell Fort Point HQ, give back $87m in incentives to state
BostonGlobe.com — February 14, 2019
General Electric said Thursday that it plans to sell its future Fort Point headquarters property and reimburse the state for $87 million in incentives the company received to move here, signaling a major step backwards from the ambitious plans it unveiled in 2016.
Amazon drops NYC as one of its new HQ2 locations
The stunning reversal comes after the online retail giant had faced opposition as it sought to build a massive operation in the city.
Developer Picked for 3.4M SF Bayside Expo Center Project
Banker & Tradesman — February 14, 2019
Accordia Partners has been chosen as preferred developer of the 20-acre former Bayside Expo Center property in Dorchester.
Skanska Sells Fenway Tower for $150M
Developer Skanska USA Commercial Development Inc. has sold its recently completed Harlo apartment tower in Boston's Fenway neighborhood for $150 million.
Trader Joe's may be coming to Boston's Fort Point
Boston Business Journal — February 14, 2019
A long-awaited grocery store seems poised to land in the South Boston waterfront.
'The next Kendall Squares,' mapped
Curbed Boston — February 14, 2019
Everybody wants to mimic the super successful Cambridge technology hub—or so it seems
Google confirms plans to expand in Cambridge's Kendall Square
Google will lease 362,000 square feet at a new glass tower in Cambridge's Kendall Square, part of the tech giant's plan to invest $13 billion in new data centers and offices across the U.S. this year.
Fidelity would create large waterfront space at revamped World Trade Center in Seaport
The Boston Globe - Print Edition — February 12, 2019
A waterfront courtyard, modernized offices, and additional shops and restaurants feature in the company's renovation of the World Trade Center complex.
Boston Highway Tunnels, Bridges Need $1.6B in Repairs
The Metropolitan Highway System, a network of major bridges and tunnels in and around Boston, will likely need $1.6 billion in maintenance and upgrades over the next decade, according to a review presented to transportation officials Monday.
Boston had nation's worst rush-hour traffic congestion in 2018: Report
Drivers wasted an average of 164 hours last year, but at least a lot of that was probably due to business and not pleasure
Massport is unloading another piece of its South Boston waterfront portfolio
A 1.1-acre parcel, now used as a parking lot, will hit the market soon.
COLLIERS IN THE NEWS
Boston Industrial Market Continues Hot Streak
RE Business Online — February 13, 2019
Greater Boston's industrial market continued its hot streak in 2018. Positive net absorption of 350,000 square feet in 2018 marked the eighth straight year of gains.
Medidata Solutions quadrupling local presence, could hire hundreds
Medidata Solutions acquired Waltham-based Shyft Analytics in June, and plans to hire hundreds of employees with a move to downtown Boston.
Food Halls Spice Up Office, Mixed-Use Projects
In an effort to inoculate their mixed-use office and multifamily projects against the threat of e-commerce competitors, developers are increasingly incorporating food halls into their properties to attract tenants. "Food halls are the latest and greatest in the amenities arms race," says Aaron Jodka, research director at Colliers International in Boston.
In America's College Town, Schools Face Pressures To Sell Land, Build More Or Close
Bisnow — February 12, 2019
Two nuns and big pharma walked into a real estate meeting 20 years ago, and they walked out with what could be a model for cash-strapped colleges across the country.
Will Co-Living Follow the Success of Coworking?
Colliers International — February 12, 2019
You've heard about coworking's enormous success in a multitude of U.S. markets. But will co-living follow in its footsteps?
Lab Strategy Gains Traction in Seaport
With a 1.1 percent vacancy rate for lab space in the city of Boston, opportunities for the life science industry to grow appear to be almost as challenging as in inventory-starved Cambridge, with the exception of the Seaport.
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