In one of the biggest office lease deals of the last year, Putnam Investments said Monday that it will move its headquarters to 100 Federal Street.
The financial services giant signed a 15-year-lease for 250,000 square feet — 11 floors — in the 37-floor skyscraper known as “the pregnant building” for its distinctive bulge. About 1,000 employees will make the move in 2018.
They’re not going far. Putnam’s current home is just across Norman B. Leventhal Park at One Post Office Square. But with the company’s lease there approaching expiration, Putnam launched a wide search for new space, and found what it needed at 100 Federal, said chief executive Robert Reynolds.
“Putnam Investments is extremely pleased to establish our global headquarters in a building that is a powerful presence on the city’s landscape,” Reynolds said in a statement. “It offers the ideal mix of modern, high-quality facilities in the heart of Boston’s financial district, with flexibility of space that will allow our firm to grow its onside presence - as our business grows - over time.”
The building itself is getting some upgrades, too. Its owner, Boston Properties, has filed plans with the city to build a glassy atrium at street level; Putnam said it will have a “highly visible presence in the lobby.” Putnam will also have signage on the outside of the building - which also counts Bank of America as a tenant - said spokesman Jon Goldstein.
Word of the move began spreading last summer and became official with Monday’s lease signing.
Tim Logan can be reached at tim.logan@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter at @bytimlogan.