"Wetmore selected the property because it offers excellent flow for their manufacturing and close proximity to many of their top vendors," explains James Stubblebine of the Stubblebine Co., who joined David Stubblebine in representing Wetmore in lease negotiations. NAI Hunneman Commercial Co. represented the landlord, an assignment handled by principal Steve James and Tom Aitken, who recently joined Grubb & Ellis.

[IMGCAP(2)]Aitken and James also brokered a 57,000-sf lease in the Q1 to Colonial Systems, a firm consolidating at the property from several nearby facilities. Colliers Meredith & Grew assistant vice president Christopher Lawrence was broker for Colonial Systems in that lease, which, combined with the Wetmore deal, brings occupancy at 326 Ballardvale St. to 100%. The property contains more than 300,000 sf of space.

"The asset is now performing," relays Aitken, who was charged along with James to fill a 145,000-sf hole that opened up when a prior tenant left the market in late 2006. The complex has typically fared well, says Aitken, who has a relationship with this property dating back to the 1990s. Among the attributes cited for its popularity, are substantial clear heights, modern safety and security systems, and a location at the junction of Intestates 93 and 495.