McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP Reaffirms Commitment to Downtown
May 18,2011
McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP has inked a long-term renewal at SunTrust Plaza, a deal that solidifies the law firm’s commitment to Downtown.
The firm extended its 163,315-square-foot lease in the 60-story tower, where it plans to remain until 2028.
It would have taken a lot to pry McKenna Long & Aldridge from SunTrust Plaza.
It has been in the tower since 1993. It’s the second-largest tenant, behind SunTrust. It also has a strong relationship with the lender — one of the firm’s major clients.
Buckhead and Midtown building owners gave it a shot, though.
Cousins Properties Inc. toured the law firm at Terminus 200. Manulife Financial Corp. had them up to Phipps Tower.
McKenna Long & Aldridge also looked at Atlantic Station.
But, Midtown raised concerns about traffic congestion, and Buckhead wasn’t as convenient for the law firm’s attorneys and staff, said Jeffrey Haidet, chairman of McKenna Long & Aldridge.
The firm liked the ongoing development around Centennial Olympic Park and plans for the multimodal around “The Gulch.” It also felt pride in standing alongside downtown Atlanta’s biggest names in business, such as Cousins, Georgia-Pacific LLC and major accounting firms such as Deloitte LLP.
“I think this shows we are committed to a vibrant downtown,” Haidet said.
McKenna Long & Aldridge was represented by John Izard Jr. and Ian Henderson Jr. of Cushman & Wakefield of Georgia Inc. Brian Hogg of Portman Management Co. negotiated on behalf of the landlord, SunTrust Plaza Associates LLC.
The building’s ownership is made up of SunTrust Banks Inc. and Peachtree 400 Associates Ltd., a Portman affiliate.