The second floor, empty for a couple years, will be ready to use in early first quarter 2009. Baylor's expansion at 2001 Bryan St. drives the 1.1-million-sf high rise to 85% occupancy. "This is the highest it's been since we've owned the building," Jon Ruff, senior vice president of Houston-based Spire Realty Group LP, tells GlobeSt.com. And, he adds that an existing tenant is negotiating to add the 35th floor, the only opening in the 40-story building, to expand its office. The talks, though, are still in the early stages, he cautions.

Spire acquired Bryan Tower in late 1996 when occupancy was 15% and dipped to 8% in the following year. By 2000, Spire had completed a massive overhaul and began re-tenanting the class A space. Today's rate is quoted at $18 per sf plus electric.

Ruff says all rolls for this year have been bed down. With 100% occupancy within sight, he emphasizes that Spire is a long-term holder. "We have no plans of selling," he says.