Anderson tells GlobeSt.com negotiations for EDG’s renewal and expansion lasted for roughly 12 months. “EDG looked around in the market, and it came down to us and one or two other buildings,” he recalls. “At the end of the day, they wanted to stay in our building because they like our location. And, for a tenant of that size, a big move can be somewhat difficult.”

Built in 1982, One Westchase Center has recently benefited from a $1.5 million renovation. Updates include a new fountain that establishes a landmark entry for the property, exterior landscaping, a state-of-the-art conference center, an improved fitness center and a new deli.

“Companies like EDG want to have a nice office for their employees and for clients to visit,” Anderson says. “It’s important from a recruitment and retention standpoint. And, the renovations show the owner’s continued commitment to the building.”

With EDG’s expansion and renewal, One Westchase Center is now 83% leased, slightly below the marketwide occupancy rate. “We had a couple of large tenants move out right before the downturn including Petrobras, the Brazilian energy company, which occupied about 50,000 square feet,” Anderson explains. “We’re chipping away at that space. We’ve had a lot of interest recently in our two big blocks off space on the 5^th and 12^th floor.”