JLL has secured a 30,000-square-foot lease at Downtown Atlanta’s historic Hurt Building. Claire Ross, leasing associate, and Mike Werner, vice president at JLL, represented the owner, Gamma Real Estate, and Kirk Diamond, April Parrish, Erin Smith and John Crisp of Cushman & Wakefield represented the tenant, Herzing University.
“Herzing University has proudly served adult learners in Atlanta for almost 40 years and this move will help us support more students in the years to come,” said Renee Herzing, President of Herzing University. “We are excited to start classes in the Hurt Building. It will be a convenient and attractive location for our students, who are aiming to start a new career or attain a higher position in their current line of work.”
Herzing University, pending final approval from its accreditor, will occupy a full floor at the Hurt Building starting in late summer, relocating from its current space in Buckhead. Founded in 1965, Herzing University has grown to 10 campuses across the U.S. and has been recognized for several years by U.S. News & World Report for its online programs.
Hundreds of Herzing students will visit the building each day, pursuing degrees in nursing, business, healthcare, legal studies, public safety, cybersecurity, and information technology.
“As one of the nation’s earliest skyscrapers, the recently renovated Hurt Building combines modern amenities with historic charm and truly exemplifies the spirit of Downtown Atlanta,” said Jonathan Kalikow, president of Gamma Real Estate. “Herzing’s choice to occupy a full floor of this building and bring their students and employees to the area is a testament to Downtown Atlanta’s revival, and we’re thrilled to welcome a new wave of talent to the community.”
Originally built in 1913, the 18-story Hurt Building was once the 17th tallest building in the world. Acquired by Gamma Real Estate and Meltzer Properties in 2016, the legendary skyscraper began a series of $4 million-dollar capital improvements this past October 2017. These improvements include an amenity floor encompassing a high-class fitness center, shared conference facilities and transit oriented technology.
The renovated building offers over 420,000 square feet of diverse floor plans, including loft spaces, office suites and co-working microunits. With ongoing renovations to be fully complete by May 2018, the reimagined space will feature an improved lobby, collaborative conference centers and an amenity-focused floor with a game room and fitness center.
Since Gamma Real Estate purchased the Hurt Building in 2016, JLL has successfully leased over 130,000 square feet at the building, including 70,000 square feet of new tenant leases. Herzing University’s full-floor lease brings the Hurt Building to 80 percent occupancy.
“Downtown Atlanta is rapidly evolving, and major companies and universities are taking notice,” said JLL’s Ross. “Herzing’s move from Buckhead to Downtown is part of larger transformation that will reshape how Atlantans experience the city and position Downtown Atlanta for long-term growth. The Hurt Building is an exceptional opportunity for tenants looking to be a part of this momentum.”
According to JLL’s report, “Why Downtown: Examining the Renaissance Taking Place in Downtown Atlanta,” the submarket has seen $3.9 billion in completed real estate investment in the past 10 years. With more than $2.0 billion under construction and another $2.1 billion planned, the urban core is being transformed to a live-work-play destination.
About JLL
JLL (NYSE: JLL) is a leading professional services firm that specializes in real estate and investment management. AFortune 500 company, JLL helps real estate owners, occupiers and investors achieve their business ambitions. In 2017, JLL had revenue of $7.9 billion and fee revenue of $6.7 billion; managed 4.6 billion square feet, or 423 million square meters; and completed investment sales, acquisitions and finance transactions of approximately $170 billion. At the end of 2017, JLL had nearly 300 corporate offices, operations in over 80 countries and a global workforce of 82,000. As of December 31, 2017, LaSalle had $58.1 billion of real estate assets under management. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For further information, visitwww.jll.com.
About Herzing University
Herzing University is an accredited, private nonprofit institution with 10 campuses across seven states, a continuing education division and an online division. Founded in Milwaukee in 1965, more than 30,000 students have graduated from the University’s career-focused and flexible master’s, bachelor’s, and associate degree, diploma and continuing education programs. Fields of study span nursing, healthcare, technology, business and public safety. From 2013 through 2018,U.S. News & World Report has continually recognized Herzing University as having some of the best online programs nationally. Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission; www.hlcommission.org or (800) 621-7440. More information about Herzing University is available at www.herzing.edu.
