Hidden from view on a side street off of Powell Boulevard, Fred Meyer has made space in its main, three-story building available as local operations continue to shrink following its acquisition by Cincinnati, Ohio-based Kroger in 1999. But due to a flood of larger spaces on the market and a dearth of users, there's been little activity to speak of until recently.

Initially, Johnson and Partner Jeff Borlaug were marketing a 15-year-old, 83,000-sf converted warehouse space in the largely interconnected complex. Six months ago, however, Fred Meyer decided it would instead occupy that older space and make available 108,000 sf of adjacent newer space that wouldn't need an investment prior to leasing.

The last six weeks has seen an increase activity however, they say, and the cost savings and parking that can be had by choosing Fred Meyer's property will eventually be more a competitive advantage. Johnson and Borlaug say Fred Meyer can take on tenants as small as 36,000 sf for up to 10 years at a annual full service rate of around $16 per sf. Parking is free and the ratio is 3:1,000 sf. Johnson tells GlobeSt.com the space would be ideal for a "back-office user." Borlaug says Fred Meyer is not considering disposition of the property at this time.