A.W. Perry Celebrates 100th Anniversary of The Berkeley

There are no rumors of ghosts in the century old and stately Berkeley, yet
in all of author Robert Parker's classic "Spencer for Hire" detective
novels, the descriptions of the views from Spencer's office window make it
likely that he maintained his office in the stately building. And, of
course, the dowager empress of Boylston Street, the beautiful white glazed
terracotta figure situated above the entryway on The Berkeley's exterior,
keeps a watchful eye on the neighborhood.

As you enter through the ornate bronze scroll doors, and step into the
marble foyer complete with the original mail slot, evidence of yesteryear is
carefully preserved and blended with today's design. The building, under
the ownership of A.W. Perry for the past 50 years and having been
extensively renovated and modernized, offers an elegantly recaptured sense
of history.

Known as "the Crowned Jewel of the Back Bay", The Berkeley was the first
building in Boston to be honored with all three (local, regional and
international) of BOMA's "Office Building of the Year" awards in 1990.
Current tenants include Arnold Communications, Goody, Clancy and Associates
and other consulting and asset management firms in addition to upscale
retail establishments.


A.W. Perry became involved in the building in the 1940s, after acquiring 50
percent of the stock shares of its then owner, the Berkeley Hotel Trust, and
eventually acquiring full ownership in the 1950s. The Berkeley was built
in 1906 on the site of the former Berkeley Hotel. Originally designed by
MIT architecture professor, Constant Desire Despradelle, the building was
meant to house retail stores as evidenced by its many oversized windows,.
which now transmit ample light into the building's office space. After
obtaining designation on the National Register of Historic Places, A.W.
Perry totally renovated The Berkeley in 1988 - 1989., at a cost of $15
million. Macomber Builders, under the direction of George Macomber, handled
the renovation, and the project architect was James Alexander of Feingold,
Alexander & Associates.

A Tribute to History

Three elevators, with mahogany interior detail work, emulate The Berkeley's
cage lifts from days gone by. The lobby's forest green slate walls are
reminiscent of a garden. The original monumental marble staircase remains
intact. A spectacular new atrium further enhances the building's unique
light and space elements. Five 16,000 sq. ft. floors boast glass-walled
offices overlooking the atrium.

Because of the fantastic light and space elements, The Berkeley was very
popular with those in the "decorative arts" field who were the tenants
occupying the building to the exclusion of all others for many years.
Clients of The Berkeley's design tenants delighted in coming to Back Bay to
meet with their designer, enjoy lunch and shop at the neighboring boutiques.

In a sense, The Berkeley "launched" the Boston Design Center in South
Boston, as design tenants such as Brunschwig & Fils and Stark Carpet
relocated during the extensive renovation.

"We have taken great pains to renovate The Berkeley while paying close
attention to historical elements. The offices are distinctive with their
large windows providing panoramic views of the Back Bay streetscape, while
modern multi-zone heating and air conditioning up-to-date life-safety
systems provide comfort and security to tenants. It is a stylish and
prestigious building that offers both an exciting and inspiring working
environment," noted John H. Spurr, Jr., president of A.W. Perry.

More than 120 Years of Quality and Value

Since 1884, A.W. Perry, Inc., a privately held real estate firm, has
provided the highest level of quality, service and value to clients. An
established leader in the industry, A.W. Perry is an award winning property
management firm, an experienced developer and an innovative investment
builder. Under the direction of the family's fourth generation, the company
maintains a reputation of strength, stability and integrity.

Known for creating and nurturing long-standing business relationships, A. W.
Perry has established a portfolio of commercial and industrial property as
well as a significant inventory of developable land. In addition to the
Berkeley, A.W. Perry's projects include several other Downtown Boston office
renovations and; South Shore Technology Park in Rockland and Hingham (which
includes Serono, Inc.'s North American headquarters as well as a 327,000
square foot building under construction for Blue Cross Blue Shield.) The
firm also has a proud history in residential development which includes
Whiting Village, Stone Meadow Farm, The Homestead and Spring Meadow in
Hanover and currently Deerfield Farm in Pembroke.

The offices of A.W. Perry are located at Twenty Winthrop Square in Boston
and One Pond Park Road in Hingham, Mass. For more information, visit their
website at www.awperry.com or contact (617) 542-3164.

CONTACT: Steven V. Dubin, PR Works, (781) 582-1061, sdubin@prworkzone.com