"Not insignificantly, the City of Eagan will not lose any jobs to another market as a result of Blue Cross and Blue Shield's plans," says Pat Mascia, Duke's senior vice president of Twin Cities operations. Mascia, together with Jim Schlundt, a senior leasing representative, represented Duke in the transaction. Nancy Miller, senior consultant of corporate services for United Properties of Bloomington, represented Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota.

The company was attracted to Silver Bell Commons' newer construction, sufficient dock and drive-in doors, 24-foot clear ceiling height and excellent frontage along Highway 13, according to Duke officials. Blue Cross and Blue Shield will take occupancy in March. The terms of the eases were not disclosed. Nearly two years ago, Duke completed tenant finish work on the Blue Cross insurer's 110,000-sf call center in Eagan.

Other companies located in Silver Bell Commons include Wesco Distribution, Inc., Gleason's Gymnastic School, Commercial Environments and Showcore, Inc. Duke also recently signed four other leases totaling 206,966 sf at its local properties. For instance, it recently signed a lease with Capitol Sales Co. for 57,344 sf at Trapp Road Commerce Center II. Capitol Sales is a supplier of consumer electronics and installation products.