Ellin & Tucker Plans Relocation to 400 East Pratt Street

One of Baltimore's largest accounting firms leases 31,000 square feet,
keeping plan in motion to reshape the downtown Baltimore community

BALTIMORE, Aug.13, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Ellin & Tucker today announced plans to relocate its headquarters from 100 South Charles Street to 400 East Pratt Street, making the firm a significant tenant in the downtown building, which is owned and operated by PDL Pratt Associates and currently undergoing major renovations. Ellin & Tucker's move to 400 East Pratt Street is part of a larger open-space plan developed by the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore and supported by Baltimore City and the Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) to rejuvenate the downtown area and improve the north side of Pratt Street.

"It is important to us at Ellin & Tucker to be leaders in the community, so we're excited not only for what this move means for our business, but also for what it means for the Baltimore community at large," said Ed Brake, managing director of Ellin & Tucker. "As a longstanding firm in this city, we have been positively impacting the Baltimore area for almost 70 years and we are proud to continue investing in the growth and renewal of the downtown area."

In September 2014, Ellin & Tucker will take approximately 31,000 square feet total on two floors at 400 East Pratt Street. The firm will occupy the entire second floor totaling 24,000 square feet and 7,000 square feet on the third floor, including a balcony above the new addition. The firm's identity signage will don an interior lobby wall of the new building lobby and the exterior of the second floor.

During the expansion phase, PDL Pratt Associates will increase square footage at 400 East Pratt from, 143,750 square feet to 167,750 square feet after construction. Major changes include a two-story, 24,000-square-foot addition that will extend approximately 35 feet further from the building, improvements to the multi-tenant common corridors, lobbies, elevators and restrooms and enhancements to the parking garage.

"We are very pleased with Ellin & Tucker's commitment to the building and that the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, the BDC and the City of Baltimore have supported the Pratt Street initiative and the expansion space at 400 East Pratt," said David Leibowits, managing partner of PDL Pratt Associates. "This expansion will enhance the property's visibility and accessibility for a more successful and vibrant Pratt Street."

The retooling of 400 East Pratt is part of the city's strategy to alter the north side of Pratt Street and rethink the way Baltimore operates. The plan is for the city to improve sightlines and pedestrian walkability by removing aging skywalks and earthen berms; and boost the downtown economy by encouraging the construction of new buildings that will accommodate expanded retail, office and restaurant space.

"Both Ellin & Tucker and PDL Pratt Associates have been pillars of the downtown community for a generation and it's exciting to see them partnering on such a dynamic addition to the Pratt Street skyline," said Downtown Partnership, Kirby Fowler. "Our hope is that this project will show other property owners the benefits of making a similar Pratt Street investment."

Courtenay Jenkins of Cushman & Wakefield, the world's largest privately-held commercial real estate services firm, represented Ellin & Tucker in the deal. Whitney Nye of Cushman & Wakefield represented the landlord, PDL Pratt Associates. The building architect for the expansion is Peter Fillat Architects and the construction management for the project is Constantine Commercial Construction.

About Ellin & Tucker
Founded in 1946, Ellin & Tucker is a leading CPA firm headquartered in Baltimore, Md. that specializes in accounting, auditing, consulting, forensics and valuation and tax services. As the fifth largest accounting firm in Greater Baltimore, Ellin & Tucker employs more than 100 people in offices across Baltimore City, Belcamp, Frederick and Washington D.C. and serves national and international clients through its affiliation with DFK International/USA. Ellin & Tucker maintains leadership in the industry by delivering quality products, providing valuable insights, and offering unmatched client service.

SOURCE Ellin & Tucker