KBS, one of the largest investors in premier commercial real estate, has signed a new lease agreement with PMG Worldwide, one of the fastest-growing global digital businesses, no. 1 among Ad Age’s Best Places to Work and Adweek’s 2021 Breakthrough media agency of the year, at 515 Congress, a 263,058 square-foot Class A office tower in Austin, Texas. The 14,082 square-foot lease agreement is for the entire 18th floor, building top signage and access to the property’s new deck. 515 Congress is owned by KBS Real Estate Investment Trust III.
The transaction demonstrates companies’ appetite for a prominent presence at premier office properties in high growth markets, according to Giovanni (Gio) Cordoves, Western regional president for KBS.
“Through KBS’ strategy of investing in the top 25 markets in the country, we have identified strong growth markets in the Sun Belt region,” says Cordoves. “Austin, which has been named the hottest market in the country for commercial real estate investment, is attracting high-profile corporations such as Tesla, which is building a new Gigafactory in East Austin. A best-in-class office property like 515 Congress draws in companies that are looking to stand out in this market.”
Built in 1974 and extensively renovated over the last few years by KBS, 515 Congress is a WiredScore Silver and Energy Star–certified, 26-story building with approximately 12,000 square feet of retail at the street level and the recently completed outdoor patio. Located on the corner of 6th Street and Congress Avenue in the heart of Austin’s downtown business district, the property is within walking distance of the Texas State Capitol, Austin Convention Center, 6th Street Entertainment District and Lady Bird Lake.
“515 Congress is one of the best options in the city of Austin for companies seeking top-quality office space,” says Brett Merz, asset manager for 515 Congress and senior vice president for KBS. “In addition to being located near transportation, shopping, entertainment, dining and hospitality options, this asset features a host of in-demand on-site amenities including parking, bike storage, a café, coffee bar, fitness center, tenant lounge, electric vehicle charging station, carwash/detail service, and much more. It offers virtually anything a discerning office tenant could want either at the building or a short walk away.”
The property’s superior location was a major factor that attracted PMG to 515 Congress, according to George Popstefanov, CEO of PMG.
“Austin is a critical market for attracting and retaining top talent as we accelerate our global growth,” said Popstefanov. “We want our offices to be places people want to come to work every day, and 515 Congress’ close proximity to daily needs and conveniences, in addition to its impressive list of on-site amenities, made it the top choice for us to establish ourselves as a leading business partner and employer in Austin.”
Brad Philp, managing director, and Connor Atchley, senior associate, of Stream Realty handled the lease transaction on behalf of KBS.
“515 Congress is on the short list for companies seeking high-end office space in Downtown Austin,” says Philp. “PMG is one of many firms that have expressed interest in locating their offices at this property. Beyond the building’s numerous attributes, KBS’ expertise in managing the asset to exceed tenants’ expectations makes it one of the most desirable properties in the market.”
In addition to 515 Congress, KBS owns two other premier assets in the Austin market: Domain Gateway, a 183,911 square-foot office tower owned by KBS Real Estate Investment Trust III, and SouthTech Business Center, a 260,112 square-foot light industrial and office/flex property owned by a KBS affiliate.
515 Congress is located at 515 Congress Avenue in Austin, Texas.
Please click here for photos of 515 Congress.