Two speculative buildings under construction in Lower Downtown are vying to lure a handful of law firms whose leases will soon expire.
The firms are looking at a 335,000-square-foot building under construction at 1900 16th St. being developed by Trammell Crow Co. and a 260,000-square-foot building at 1515 Wynkoop St. being developed by Hines Interests.
“We really haven’t had speculative, Class A office towers in 20-plus years,” said Bill Mosher, area director and principal of Trammell Crow.
Holmes, Roberts & Owens LLP is looking for about 100,000 square feet to house 140 attorneys. The firm currently occupies about 100,000 square feet at 1700 Lincoln St., and its lease expires in 2010.
“We are considering moving because the dynamics of downtown are changing, and it is an interesting option to consider other areas of Denver that are growing,” said Patty Fontneau, the firm’s chief operating officer. “We have not made the decision, but with our size, we have to make a decision shortly.”
Other firms looking for space, according to sources in the real estate community, include Rothgerber, Johnson & Lyons LLP, which needs about 60,000 square feet; Dorsey & Whitney LLP, 35,000 square feet; and Shugart, Thompson & Kilroy PC, 35,000 square feet.
Additionally, Isaacson Rosenbaum PC plans to relocate to 42,000 square feet at 1001 17th St., the sources said.
The law firms did not return phone calls for comment.
Townsend and Townsend and Crew LLP is moving to the Opus Northwest project at 1400 Wewatta and 1401 Wyn koop streets. Darin Gibby, the firm’s managing partner, said it has run out of room at its Tabor Center office.
Tom Lee, senior managing director of Frederick Ross Co., said some of the firms are looking for more space because they’re growing.
“All these law firms are talking about acquiring other law firms,” he said.
The other reason they’re searching for space in new buildings is because it helps to recruit and retain employees.
“There’s a window right now with new product coming online at the same time as some of the major law firm’s leases expire,” he said.
Margaret Jackson: 303-954-1473 or mjackson@denverpost.com
