Because it required a large space with flexibility for future growth, Frost Brown enlisted Patrick Duffy, managing principal, and Michael Kotzin, managing director in the Atlanta office of New York City-based Newmark Knight Frank to explore alternatives. The two have expertise in law firm real estate negotiations.

"Several relocation opportunities were evaluated, including a move to a new, state-of-the art building planned for Downtown," Kotzin tells GlobeSt.com. "Working with Houston-based Hines, which manages the building, and the owner, a partnership based in New York City, we were able to renegotiate Frost Brown's rent for the remaining three years of its current term and incorporate the new rent structure forward along with favorable expansion and contraction options."

Frost Brown is a long-time Aegon Center tenant. Kotzin declined to disclose the value or terms of the new lease. On condition of anonymity, a local office broker tells GlobeSt.com the average asking rental rate for class A space here is between $18.50 and $19.50 per sf, "depending on the deal." Duffy and Kotzen also restructured and extended the law firm's Lexington Financial Center lease at an undisclosed value.