"I'm very sure that is happening," one industry source tells GlobeSt.com, a notion supported by others tracking the situation. CDM earlier this year retained Cresa Partners to explore options both north and south of the headquarters, a process initially reported by GlobeSt.com in its March 24th edition. According to sources, however, upper management nixed the plan in a late-stage reversal made for reasons not divulged. There are reports One Cambridge Place landlord MetLife produced a more competitive offer, but sources also relay there were doubts about the efficiency of running two separate operations.

Calls to CDM Chairman Thomas Furman Jr., Cresa Partners and One Cambridge Place's exclusive leasing agent, Lincoln Property Co., were not returned by press deadline. It is unclear whether the renewal agreement has been finalized, but sources indicate the term is for 10 years and estimate a competitive rate in the low $40-per-sf range. That sphere would be a relative bargain in Cambridge, but is tops for the suburbs and a level normally only seen in core markets such as Waltham and Lexington.

A lack of office space has prompted several Cambridge companies to consider—and realize—defections during the past 24 months, including some possessing lengthy histories in the city. Founded by three scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, CDM has been in Cambridge for the past 20 years, and observers conceded it would be a blow to the community should the internationally known firm exit. Despite the high-profile relocations, Cambridge has scored a few prized retentions as well, with the Monitor Group last year renewing at 2 Canal Park in East Cambridge after threatening to leave. "It's definitely a good thing for Cambridge," one source says of CDM's apparent change of heart.