The first month of 2005 brought significant leasing activity to West Loop-based 230 West Monroe. One lease renewal and four new leases totaling 34,604 square feet have been signed. 230 West Monroe is a 29-story, 623,524 square-foot tower with a contemporary lobby and entrance design that includes a clear glass facade, rich cherry paneling with burnished steel details, and granite and marble flooring. The building recently expanded the retail space and added safety measures. The five transactions included the following: Civil engineering firm, Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade & Douglas Inc., renewed 15,250 square feet. The firm has been in the building since 1986 and will consolidate to the building’s ninth floor from the third and 15th floors. Gary Denenberg of MB Real Estate commented that the transaction provided Parsons with the opportunity to both combine space and construct new space to meet their current and projected future space needs. Cal Wessman, senior vice president with CB Richard Ellis' Corporate Services Division represented the tenant. Manufacturing firm, Continental Packaging Solutions Inc., has leased 11,299 square feet. The firm previously owned and conducted business out of 841 W. Cermack in Chicago. "After outsourcing warehousing operations, Continental Packaging Solutions looked to move their business headquarters to a premier downtown location," said Denenberg. "They felt that 230 W. Monroe provided them with the best West Loop space and amenities." Marilyn Lissner, senior director at Cushman & Wakefield, represented the tenant. Executive staffing firm, Lucas Group, will relocate and expand to 4,000 square feet from 105 W. Adams St. in Chicago. Thomas McCarthy of MB Real Estate stated that the firm chose 230 W. Monroe because of its location and proximity to the West Loop train stations. David Burkards, assistant vice president with MB Real Estate’s Corporate Services, represented Lucas Group. A second executive staffing firm, Forefront Staffing Inc., is opening a new office of 2,450 square feet at 230 W. Monroe. The selection of 230 W. Monroe was based on "the building’s contemporary new lobby and easily-accessible location," McCarthy explained. Burkards, with MB Real Estate, also represented Forefront Staffing, Inc. Intersect Integrated Solutions LLC, a data warehouse consulting firm, will relocate 1,605 square feet from 30 S. Wacker Drive in Chicago. The new space, a pre-developed spec suit, provided an immediate occupancy option for the firm. Michael Walker, Leasecorp Inc.'s president and managing principal, represented the tenant. Gary Denenberg, senior vice president and managing director, and McCarthy, leasing representative, both with MB Real Estate, represented 230 W. Monroe’s ownership in the above-mentioned transactions.