A rapid run on next-generation spec suites that fueled more than 100,000 square feet in new leasing activity and a significant renovation project delivering an array of new amenities highlighted a remarkable year at Bank of America Plaza in Atlanta, the Southeast’s tallest skyscraper.
 
Shorenstein Properties LLC today announced its year end summary for BOAP, with the firm delivering an impressive haul of new and renewed tenants in 2018. More than 159,000 square feet of leasing agreements were signed over the calendar year at the 55-story tower. The announcement comes as the firm prepares to roll out the next batch of high tech spec suites with loft-style offices in Q1 2019.
 
Logistics software firm Flexport topped the list of new additions from the tech sector at BOAP in 2018, with the company signing a multi-floor lease totaling 48,951 square feet.
 
In addition to the influx of new tech firms, long-time tenant and international law firm Hunton Andrews Kurth validated the building’s recent success by signing a ten-year renewal agreement totaling 34,986 square feet. Other new tenants and lease renewals over the past year include:
 
Revel Systems – new lease (25,547 SF)

Buckley Beal, LLP – new lease (14,000 SF)

Groundfloor – new lease (7,746 SF)

Florence Healthcare – new lease (4,106 SF)

Convoy – new lease (24,363 SF)
 
“We’re pleased to see the exceptional leasing activity that has occurred at BOAP over the last twelve months, which is a testament to the success of our repositioning strategy,” said Christopher Caltabiano, Senior Vice President of Asset Management at Shorenstein Properties. “The recent improvements have breathed new life into the building and created a tech hub with future-ready workspace in the heart of the North Avenue Smart Corridor. Employers are consistently demonstrating a preference to set up shop near the areas where they need to recruit top talent, and we anticipate continued growth when the next batch of spec suites come online in early 2019.”
 
Shorenstein will incorporate its spec suite program throughout the tower to keep up with burgeoning market demand.
 
BOAP also wrapped up a $10 million renovation to the building’s West Wing this past spring that delivered modern amenities, workspace and Marketplace 600, a 17,000-square-foot food hall. Marketplace 600 features a “Chef’s Table,” which showcases the skills of celebrity chefs who visit the building, as well as a variety of food stations, including a salad bar, hot meal bar, grill station and dessert bar. The food hall also offers cooking classes and digital order and pick-up through the Thrive mobile app.
 
In addition, the upgraded West Wing includes a new 4,000-square-foot conference and event center, along with a Bank of America branch. Other amenities include the 17,000-square-foot RPM Health Club & Spa that offers personal training, group classes and massages, and a full-service Starbucks in the main lobby.
 
The crown jewel of Atlanta’s skyline, BOAP is home to both fast-growing tech firms such as Featurespace, GroSolutions and Risalyze, as well as established legal and professional services firms like Troutman Sanders and Bank of America. The diverse tenant lineup has served as a spark for building new alliances and fostering a unique community culture at the iconic tower.
 
“The energy in the building resulting from the capital improvements and emergence of new young companies has been incredible,” said Mark Elliott, a senior partner at Troutman Sanders. “We’ve been able to take full advantage of the new amenities and services provided by Shorenstein, which add prestige and additional firepower for our recruiting efforts. We look forward to calling BOAP home for many years to come.”
 
Bank of America Plaza is directly adjacent to the North Avenue MARTA rail station, and offers immediate north and south access to Interstates 75 and 85. Mercedes-Benz Stadium, World of Coca-Cola, Ponce City Market and the Georgia Institute of Technology are all within close proximity to the building. More than 63 restaurants are also located within five blocks of BOAP, including Publik Draft House, Edgar’s Proof & Provision, Baraonda Ristorante & Bar and Livingston.