ClearRock Properties and Juster Properties purchase 201-207 South Street for $27.5 million

Jessica Hughes, JLL

Built in 1909, 201-207 South St. is a 73,689 s/f, six-story office building with exposed ceilings, original brick walls and an abundance of natural light. The building was recently revitalized with a full facade restoration, renovation of the entry, lobby, elevator cabs and common areas, and conversion of a 4,000 s/f storage area into quality office space. Current tenants include Credo, Publisher’s Clearing House, BlueConic and Evidox.

“Located in the vibrant Leather District, ideally situated near many amenities and transit hubs, 201-207 South St. has attracted a unique mix of innovative companies,” said ClearRock Properties managing principal Steve Grant, who noted that web development consultants Bocoup recently leased 10,000 s/f at the building, where office rents have risen in recent years to the low $40s. “We are fortunate to have the opportunity with near term rollover to enhance an already vibrant community of tenants at the building.”

The historic district has become a destination for tech, advertising, architecture and design firms that seek not only the brick-and-beam charm and quality amenities that characterize the area, but also its proximity to I-93, I-90, Atlantic Ave., South Station, and some of Downtown Boston’s trendiest neighborhoods. 

201-207 South Street - Boston, MA

“We are positive about the continued viability of the area, which has in recent years benefited from new development, conversions and the creation of the beautiful Rose Kennedy Greenway. We anticipate that the development of parcels within the 20-acres of adjacent State-owned land will further improve the area in the future,” said Grant, whose firm in partnership with Juster Properties also owns and manages 485 Massachusetts Ave. in Cambridge’s Central Sq.

“We are pleased to pass the stewardship of 201-207 South Street on to our good friends at ClearRock. Having executed the repositioning of this asset consistent with our initial vision and schedule, the time was right to exit our investment in favor of an owner with a long-term perspective,” said Meritage Properties CEO Andrew Nathan. “We continue to be big believers in this submarket and the prospects for solid capital appreciation over time.”

Under the new ownership, JLL will continue as leasing agent while Lincoln Property Company will continue as property manager.

ClearRock Properties (www.clearrockproperties.com) is a real estate investment, development and operating firm focused on urban and suburban office properties, with a strategic plan to add value through proactive management.  The firm’s principals, Steve Grant and Doug Winshall, have over 45 years of experience in acquisitions, leasing, asset management, property management and construction.  ClearRock currently owns and/or operates 1.7 million square feet in 12 buildings across the Northeast.

Juster Properties (www.justerproperties.com) is a real estate investment and management firm with a diverse portfolio encompassing over 1,500,000 square feet in both urban and suburban locations.  The company is comprised of an increasingly expansive portfolio of office buildings, apartment houses, shopping centers, and industrial properties.

Meritage Properties (www.meritageprop.com), founded in 2003, is a value-oriented owner operator of mid-sized properties, primarily focused on the Boston to Washington, D.C. corridor. Meritage seeks value creation through selective acquisitions, hands-on property repositioning, disciplined operating principals and focused asset management.  Since inception, Meritage has acquired interests in nearly 3 million square feet of office space and approximately 500 residential units valued at over $600 million.