"We have already received a high level of interest in the building," reports Richards Barry Joyce & Partners President Robert Richards, who negotiated the recent sale of 121 Brookline Ave. for $8.7 million, a transaction previously reported by GlobeSt.com. The so-called Longwood Research Center is especially attractive given its close proximity to the Longwood Medical Area, Richards explains, noting that the LMA is a nationally known hub for life sciences research and medical care.

Boylston Properties President William McQuillan terms the venture "an excellent investment," particularly in being fully permitted for construction. "We look forward to the successful completion of this project," says McQuillan, whose firm has retained Richards and RBJ VP Chris McCauley as exclusive leasing agents for the LRC.

The seller of the property, Paul Mattes, concurs that the LMA helped boost interest among buyers. LMA denizens include the likes of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Children's Medical Center and Dana Farber Cancer Center. "The RBJ team did a fantastic job of identifying and then interfacing with potential purchasers," Mattes adds. "Their knowledge of the life sciences real estate market proved quite valuable."