According to sources, MIT is close to striking a deal for 185 and 195 Albany St., side-by-side brick structures that were put on the block earlier this year by Meredith & Grew. The so-called Cambridge Life Sciences portfolio also included 148 and 149 Sidney St., but Lisa Campoli, head of the M&G's investment sales group, says those two assets have been separated from the Albany Street offerings, and it is not clear how they will be handled.

Campoli did indicate that the Albany Street assets are still being traded, but declined to say whether MIT was a candidate to secure the buildings. Campoli would also not provide an asking price. The assessed value of the two assets is just under $20 million. Inquiries to MIT fomented an e-mail response in which officials indicate there is interest in the opportunity, but would not elaborate. In the e-mail, an official relays that, "MIT, as a course of business, looks at properties that are for sale in Cambridge," but further stresses that, "MIT, also as a course of business, does not comment on any potential negotiations or potential acquisitions of real estate, and thus will not comment on the Stimpson properties."

Despite the silence, sources insist MIT is the frontrunner for 185 and 195 Albany St., with one broker maintaining that the institution is actively conducting due diligence on the properties. Should the deal proceed, a closing is anticipated by year's end, sources relay.