"We're very pleased that they renewed," says Blanco, calling it "a real testimony" to the bank's affiliation with Downtown. "They're an international company, being out of China, and a terrific tenant. We're just absolutely delighted that they expressed their preference for the building," especially in what is increasingly seen as a tenant's market.

Comprising two full floors at 55 Broadway, also known as One Exchange Plaza, the lease renewal was signed in the high $50s per square foot, according to BSD. Representing BSD in lease negotiations were Blanco, managing director David Israni and associate Mona Huegel. Bank of Communications was represented by Doris Pokras, president of Project Vision Group, Inc.

In a release, Israni notes that 55 Broadway remains 95% leased, and attributes this to "our hands-on management style and willingness to work with our tenants." The company has reported success at the property with its pre-built and built-to-suit office programs. Currently, the pre-built program offers spaces that range from 3,000 to 10,370 square feet, and for terms as short as one year, according to a release.

Built in 1983 and located on the southwest corner of Broadway and Exchange Place, the 32-story office tower contains more than 330,000 square feet. BSD also owns and manages the 750,000- square-foot office tower at 61 Broadway, and recently completed the marketing of two residential conversions at 1438 Third Ave. and 184 Thompson St. Last September, as GlobeSt.com reported, BSD sold the 305,000-square-foot 370 Lexington Ave. for $155 million to a partnership of Sherwood Equities and JPMorgan Chase. BSD had bought the 26-story office tower two years earlier for $97.2 million and repositioned it.

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Paul Bubny

Paul Bubny is managing editor of Real Estate Forum and GlobeSt.com. He has been reporting on business since 1988 and on commercial real estate since 2007. He is based at ALM Real Estate Media Group's offices in New York City.