First Wind Signs New Office Lease with Millennium Partners

Mayor Thomas M. Menino joined with developer Millennium Partners to welcome new tenant First Wind to its headquarters at 179 Lincoln Street in Downtown Boston. First Wind is a North American wind energy company focused exclusively on the development, ownership and operation of wind energy projects. It is the largest supplier of wind-generated electricity in New England, with working wind farms in Maine, New York, Hawaii and one under construction in Utah. First Wind will locate its 70-member headquarter staff to the Lincoln Street property in mid-October.

CB Richard Ellis/New England, a joint venture partner with CB Richard Ellis, brokered the 35,877 square foot lease with First Wind. The CBRE team of Tim Lyne, Executive Vice President/Partner, and Tim Howe, Vice President, represented Millennium Partners - Boston in the transaction; David Fitzgerald, Executive Vice President/Partner, and Jon Freni, Associate, represented First Wind.

"We are very pleased that First Wind has chosen 179 Lincoln Street as the base from which to continue its clean energy initiatives that are so important to our future," said Anthony Pangaro, Principal of Millennium Partners-Boston.

Initially constructed at the end of the 19 century, 179 Lincoln Street occupies a full city block overlooking the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway. It contains 220,000 square feet in its five stories and is situated approximately two blocks from South Station. Since being acquired by Millennium Partners-Boston in 2006, the building has undergone a dramatic transformation and is now equipped with modern interiors, upgraded building systems, a new entrance and lobby, and below-grade parking. In addition to having been awarded the LEED Silver Rating, it was recently honored by the Boston Preservation Alliance with its 2009 Preservation Achievement Award for the Best Adaptive Use of Historic Industrial Space.

"As the largest wind energy producer in New England, moving our corporate headquarters to Boston is a perfect fit," said Paul Gaynor, CEO of First Wind. "As First Wind continues to expand as a company, we need room to grow. This move to Boston demonstrates our commitment to the Commonwealth and to the region. It also allows us to reduce our carbon footprint by having so many accessible public transportation options nearby for our employees. With its LEED-certification, the Lincoln Street building further signifies our strong belief in preserving our natural resources and protecting the environment. We are also targeting LEED Gold Certification for our office interiors to provide a healthy and productive work space for our employees. We're looking forward to moving in."

The Mayor praised the decision of First Wind to locate its new facilities in Downtown Boston and in selecting a LEED Silver Certified building that was also a Historic Renovation completed pursuant to the U.S. Secretary of Interior's Standards for Preservation. The project proceeded under the oversight of the Boston Redevelopment Authority. Mayor Menino said, "The City of Boston welcomes First Wind, an innovative company that is well-positioned for success in our growing green economy. It is only fitting that this renewable energy company has come to Boston and selected an energy efficient awardwinning historic building to call home. Whether it's through green building construction, historic preservation, or renewable energy development, Boston remains on the cutting edge of sustainability and today First Wind becomes an integral part of our story."