John Calagna, assistant vice president of public relations for MetLife confirmed that the insurer has signed a lease at the downtown property 445 Hamilton Ave., which is owned by MetLife Real Estate. Real estate sources indicate the firm will initially occupy approximately 55,000 sf of space at 445 Hamilton Ave., a 15-story building that totals approximately 365,000 sf. Calagna would not confirm the size of the lease deal in White Plains. John McCarthy, a principal of McCarthy O'Callaghan, offered no comment on the transaction.

On April 17 in a move to convince the firm to sign a lease here in White Plains, the Westchester County Industrial Development Agency approved $307,000 in sales tax benefits for MetLife. The insurer may also qualify for reduced electric rates through the Westchester County Public Utility Services Agency now that it has signed a lease here.

Earlier this month Calagna told GlobeSt.com that the company was considering relocating 100 employees from its corporate headquarters building at One Madison Ave. to 55,000 sf of space at 445 Hamilton Ave. The 445 Hamilton Ave. property is now entirely vacant after being occupied by Prodigy Inc. The building is part of the White Plains Plaza office complex that is owned by MetLife Real Estate. The company has been working with the IDA, the county's Office of Economic Development and with the city of White Plains on the possible deal.