A field office of the federal agency that provides services for immigrants to the United States as they settle in their new home found a home for itself in Lawrence, Massachusetts.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, a key agency within the Department of Homeland Security tasked with administering the country’s naturalization and immigration system, leased 30,000 square feet in the Riverwalk Innovation District at 280 Merrimack St.
What sets this lease apart is not only its sheer scale but also its commitment to innovation in energy consumption and sustainability. USCIS demanded a property that would not only meet but exceed its stringent criteria. The journey toward finalizing this deal was no easy feat, involving rigorous testing, scrutiny, and overcoming numerous challenges including a balancing of USCIS needs and its tight budget.
The deal has been selected as the 2024 CoStar Impact Award winner for lease of the year for Boston, as judged by a local team of real estate professionals familiar with the market.
As the agency welcomes an average of 200 visitors a day, the effects of the large lease are also likely to promote the local economy through increased foot traffic and retail activity in the neighboring area.
Beyond the immediate surroundings, the positive impact of this lease is poised to resonate far and wide. With its strategic location and USCIS at its helm, the lease positions Lawrence for a resurgence that promises to define the city's future as a hub of growth, prosperity, and inclusion.
About the Deal: USCIS plays a pivotal role in administering the nation's immigration and naturalization system, handling a diverse range of services including visa, green card, and citizenship application. The agency serves to uphold the principles that have defined the United States as a diverse and welcoming nation.
What the Judges Said: “A great use for vacant space that benefits the local community,” Drew Kirkland, senior associate at Northeast Private Client Group, said.
They Made it Happen: Lupoli Company representatives included Scott Moreau, director of commercial leasing, Lawrence Bergman, director of tenant relations, and Sal Lupoli, president and chief executive.