Trammell Crow procured the buyer and represented the sellers, Newton-based Hub Properties LLC. The deal is somewhat unusual in that German investors have previously focused on buying properties in the city's Financial District, whereas the Boston buildings are in the Fort Point Channel district. While considered in solid shape, both are considered class B structures.The Boston properties are six stories and contain a total of 107,000 sf. One Hundred Fifty Newport Ave. is a four-story, 120,000-sf building located just off Interstate 95.

Robert Griffin, head of Trammel Crow's Investment Services Group, says he believes the willingness to buy class B reflects the interest such brick-and-beam buildings have among the high-tech tenant market. The 313 Congress St. features a signature arched entrance and marble lobby, making it "a recognized landmark," says Griffin.