Chiofaro "definitely has it," one source says of the developer's pursuit of the nine-level Harbor Garage. At this point, the parties involved are remaining mum on the negotiations, with brokers at Cushman & Wakefield declining comment, while a call to Chiofaro's headquarters at his International Place office complex in Boston was not returned by press deadline.

Despite the lack of input, Chiofaro has openly indicated several times that he covets the property, even launching a pre-emptive attempt back in 2006 to acquire the asset as part of a mixed-use development plan that could include such elements as office space, a hotel and residential uses. Dominated by the garage, the site is considered ripe for additional capacity and uses, although such a vision would have to overcome the state's onerous Chapter 91 laws regulating harbor development and potential opposition from wealthy neighbors in another high-rise condo.

While he would not say whether Chiofaro has the deal tied up, Cushman & Wakefield Capital Markets Group chief Robert E. Griffin tells GlobeSt.com that the asset received considerable attention, and says he considers it among the best development sites in New England. "It's a can't-miss project," says Griffin.