World-Class Scientists to Relocate to Grande Rotunda

MacKenzie Commercial Real Estate Services, LLC is proud to announce that the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) will be opening a new location for their Space Telescope Science Institute (STSI) in Baltimore’s historic Grande Rotunda building. Located at 711 W. 40th Street in Baltimore City’s North submarket, the mixed-use project is undergoing renovations and will welcome the organization in summer of 2015.

“The completion of this lease with STSI was a critical step in the renaissance that is in process at the Rotunda and in the surrounding Hampden/Keswick communities,” said Vice President Matthew Mueller who represented the Landlord. “Simply put: the Rotunda is poised to regain its prominence as one of Baltimore’s greatest real estate landmarks.”

STSI operates the science program for NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope and will conduct the science and mission operations for the James Webb Space Telescope.It also supports other astronomy programs and conducts world-class scientific research. Hubble’s images and discoveries have revolutionized astronomy, including breathtaking images of giant pillars of gas that are the home of infant stars.

STSI is operated for NASA by AURA, a consortium of 40 U.S. institutions and 6 international affiliates that operate world-class astronomical observatories. AURA’s mission is to promote excellence in astronomical research by providing access to state-of-the-art facilities

Managed and leased by the MacKenzie companies, The Grande Rotunda is currently under renovation and is expected to be complete in 2016. The project is currently 90 percent “out of the ground” with expectations to meet 100 percent in late 2015 when exterior glazing and greenspace installation is completed. Internal construction and enhancements have been completed on common areas, hallways, and bathrooms that complement the recently refurbished elevators.

For more information on the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, please visit www.aura-astronomy.org. For leasing inquires contact Matthew Mueller of MacKenzie Commercial Real Estate Services at mmueller@mackenziecommercial.com or (410) 494-6658.