Demonstrating its ongoing commitment to downtown Tampa, Hill Ward Henderson has signed a 12-year lease renewal for approximately 70,000 sq. ft. in the Bank of America Plaza. The law firm has been a tenant in the 42-story building since 1986.
Hill Ward Henderson occupies four contiguous floors in the building, with expansion options to accommodate continued steady growth. The firm is one of the largest tenants in the building, second only to the lead tenant, Bank of America. In the 26 years Hill Ward Henderson has occupied the building, the firm has grown from seven attorneys to more than 90, and today is staffed by more than 220 employees.
“We are pleased to renew our commitment to downtown Tampa,” said R. James Robbins, Jr., Managing Shareholder. “As one of the largest Tampa-based firms, we count it a privilege to be a part of our city’s thriving downtown business community. As lawyers, the downtown setting affords close proximity to the Courthouses, the seats of City and County government, as well as many of our clients within the financial arena. Downtown Tampa remains an ideal setting for us. We support Mayor Buckhorn’s plans for a continued resurgence of growth for Tampa’s downtown corridor.”
“Hill Ward Henderson understands that downtown Tampa is truly a place where anyone can live, work, and play,” said Mayor Bob Buckhorn. “It makes sense for them to continue to locate themselves downtown and to enjoy all the amenities – from after work events in Curtis Hixon, great restaurants, and cultural attractions like the Riverwalk and Tampa Museum of Art.”
Lease negotiations were handled by Scott W. Dibbs, who leads the firm’s Commercial Real Estate Leasing Group. Mr. Dibbs worked closely with Chris Butler and Jimmy Ullrich of Jones Lang LaSalle, the firm’s tenant representative. The building is managed by CBRE, Inc. and owned by Para-Met Plaza Associates, a subsidiary of MetLife.
“One factor that played a significant role in our decision to renew was our long-time, strong relationship with MetLife,” noted Mr. Robbins. “They possess the necessary financial strength and solid commitment to maintain the building as one of the premier locations for business in our region.”