Reckson Metro Center continues to sign tenants before opening.

Reckson Associates Realty Corp. has announced another transaction at the recently repositioned 360 Hamilton Avenue in White Plains, NY, the third to take place prior to the building's official opening.

NorthEast Optic Network, Inc. (NEON) has leased 10,430 square feet of the 380,000 square-foot building, which has undergone a $50 million value creation project, transforming the property into a state-of-the-art Class A office structure. With the extensive amount of work accomplished at 360 Hamilton, known as Reckson Metro Center, Reckson has established a new flagship Westchester property, adding to their Class A portfolio, the largest in the County, of 29 properties totaling 3.6 million square feet.

NEON, the owner and operator of a large fiber optic network in the northeastern United States, will use its space to house and operate equipment needed to run its network. Marc Webb, manager of right-of-way and facility acquisition at NEON, noted that Reckson Metro Center offers a prime location for a telecommunications company. "It's well located within the telecom market in White Plains, as far as interconnectivity with other carriers in that area," Webb said. "It's a perfect spot for us." The Westhorough, MA-based NEON provides high bandwidth, fiber optic transmission capacity to certificated communications carriers, who in turn provide services to homes and businesses.

"We're delighted with the space, and think it's going to be great," Webb said, adding that the company is also pleased to establish a working relationship with Reckson. "Having a good landlord to work with is very important to us," he said. According to Webb, NEON plans to be using its new space by March 1, 2000.

This transaction with NEON follows those with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Penner & Smith, Inc., which took 32,000 square feet, and Gelco Information Network, Inc., which leased 15,418 square feet.

"We're pleased to see NEON join the growing tenant roster for Reckson Metro Center, and are confident that momentum will continue to grow," said Salvatore Campofranco, managing director of Reckson's Westchester region. "It's a winning combination - a state-of-the-art building in a prime location - and we've worked long and hard to create a business environment that will complement the prestige of its tenants and offer the technology and quality services they require to thrive and grow."

Reckson's $50 million value creation project, which included $15 million earmarked for construction and renovation, literally recreated 360 Hamilton. The building's facade was torn down and replaced with a sophisticated new streetscape utilizing three tones of granite and arched accents. This new street facade serves as an elegant anchor to the 12-story reflective glass tower that rises above it.

Improvements to the building's interior include a new lobby, incorporating incredible finishes and sophisticated designs, as well as an interactive multi-media data center for visitors.

Reckson Metro Center also offers such amenities as meeting rooms equipped with global video conferencing, high-speed Internet access, a teleconferencing auditorium with seating for 140, plus a private VIP boardroom. The building will offer concierge services along with 24-hour access, excellent broad bandwidth and riser capacity, a state-of-the-art energy management system, full-service health club, cafe and executive dining in two distinct areas.

Among the many assets that Reckson Metro Center offers tenants is a prime location, located in the heart of White Plains' Central Business District, within walking distance of entertainment, dining, arts and shopping opportunities. To enhance Metro Center's accessibility, Reckson will offer tenants private shuttle service to the Trans Center, and other downtown amenities.