Merrill Lynch expands office to 5,500 s/f at 500 Cummings Center

Merrill Lynch is growing to accommodate an increase in staff, the global wealth management firm has expanded its office at 500 Cummings Center to 5,500 s/f. "This expansion is really a direct result of the success of this particular office," said Cummings Properties senior account manager Mike Farrell. "They continue to hire more financial advisors and expand their teams to service the growing client base." Led by senior vice presidents, wealth management DavidLeland and Brian Rossano, Merrill Lynch's Cummings Center office provides financial and wealth management advice to families, businesses, and nonprofits. The Cummings Center office was established in 2007. Building owner Cummings Properties gutted what was once an adjacent art classroom to build out the 1,000 s/f expansion space. The project was completed within two weeks, several weeks ahead of schedule. The new space features high-end modern finishes, including custom wood doors and window frames, and upgraded carpet, wall finishes, and lighting. Farrell noted that the use of specialized materials required careful coordination to ensure timely completion of the project. "Using our in-house design and construction capabilities, we were able to provide the unique finish package Merrill Lynch wanted within a period of time that is almost unheard of in commercial construction," Farrell said. Farrell worked with Tom Hansen of CBRE, who represented Merrill Lynch, on the transaction. Merrill Lynch has a second office within Cummings Properties' portfolio, at 2 Cummings Park, Woburn. Cummings Properties' 10 million s/f of prime space accommodates executive offices, healthcare facilities, laboratories, retail storefronts, warehouses, and more. With a portfolio of this size and variety, located throughout 10 communities in the greater Boston area, the firm can meet almost any commercial real estate need, from 150 to 300,000 s/f. Its in-house experts in design, construction, and property management offer "one-stop shopping" for leasing clients.