"This is a strategic acquisition of the college because of the property's location in the center of our campus, and its eventual redevelopment will help to meet our pressing space needs," says Berklee president Robert H. Brown, in a statement. "We look forward to consulting with the Boston Redevelopment Authority and the community advisory task force working with us in our ongoing Institutional Master Planning process as planning for the property proceeds."

The building, also occupied by McDonald's Restaurant Corp. and Arirang Restaurant, has been home to part of Berklee for roughly a decade, sitting between Belvidere and St. Germain streets.

"Berklee approached [the church] about buying this property where they have leased space from us for more than a decade," says Margaret Rogers, chair of the Christian Science board of directors of the First Church of Christ, Scientist, in a statement. "This parcel is not immediately adjacent to the Christian Science Plaza and is not part of the Church's long-term plans. We recognized its importance to Berklee," and worked it out with Berklee.