KKR Signs 15-Year Lease at Two International Place in Boston

Boston, September 21, 2025

News Summary

KKR has secured a 15-year lease for 132,529 square feet at Two International Place in Boston, marking a significant development for the downtown office market. This transaction is seen as a signal of renewed demand for large-scale leases amidst ongoing challenges in the industry. The lease aligns with KKR’s plans for expansion and consolidation of its operations in the city, supporting both local hiring and strategic growth following its recent $7.1 billion acquisition of Global Atlantic Financial Group.

Boston — KKR has signed a 15-year lease for 132,529 square feet at Two International Place in Boston, a move that industry observers say strengthens confidence in the downtown office market and signals renewed demand for large-scale leases.

What happened

KKR has signed a 15-year lease for 132,529 square feet at Two International Place in Boston. The lease is one of the largest in Boston this year and is expected to support KKR’s planned expansion and consolidation of local operations.

Immediate significance

This lease signals a significant milestone for Boston’s office market as landlords and tenants continue to navigate elevated vacancy rates and shifting occupancy patterns. The transaction is being viewed by market participants as a tangible example of renewed demand in the downtown area.

Key details of the lease and company plans

The firm currently employs over 300 people in Boston, primarily for its insurance business. KKR’s move marks the firm’s first downtown Boston office establishment, expanding and consolidating local operations. The new office space will accommodate future growth and strengthen KKR’s U.S. footprint and global operations, supporting both local hiring and regional coordination.

Corporate context

The announcement comes as KKR is expanding operations following its $7.1 billion acquisition of Global Atlantic Financial Group, finalized in 2023. Company leadership has framed the Boston presence as strategically aligned with other global hubs and as an opportunity to invest in local talent.

Building redevelopment and amenities

The lease coincides with a $100 million reinvestment project at International Place, aimed at enhancing tenant experience. The redevelopment includes a transformation of ground-level lobbies and entrances, as well as a new 25,000-square-foot amenity center called the Aries Club. The redevelopment plan also highlights upgraded common areas intended to improve accessibility and tenant services.

Two International Place features sweeping views of Boston’s waterfront and includes a private roof deck. The property spans approximately 1.8 million square feet across two towers and is being positioned as a premier address for global business leaders.

Transaction and market participants

The transaction was brokered by Jones Lang LaSalle, Newmark, and Cushman & Wakefield. Ownership and building management have outlined timelines for phased construction and tenant fit-out to align with KKR’s occupancy schedule.

Industry representatives indicated that the lease supports landlords’ efforts to reposition assets through enhanced amenities and entryways, and that large, long-term commitments can help stabilize downtown leasing metrics over time.

Local reactions and outlook

Company and market leaders framed the deal as both a local staffing and strategic operations decision. Ryan Stork, KKR’s Chief Operating Officer, views Boston as a strategic location for growth, similar to firms like Gurugram and Dublin. Burke Malek, Head of KKR’s Boston office, noted that the move allows for investment in local talent. Building representatives described the lease as validation of the location’s appeal for multinational firms, and other industry participants expressed confidence in the city’s long-term office market strength.

KKR’s lease is one of the largest in Boston this year, reflecting a renewal of office demand in the downtown area. The completed redevelopment will enhance the marketability of International Place, which spans 1.8 million square feet across two towers. KKR’s move serves as a positive sign for Boston’s office market, which has been recovering from high vacancy rates.

Next steps

Final fit-out schedules, build-out milestones, and an anticipated move-in timeline will be coordinated between KKR and building management, with the redevelopment work progressing concurrently to deliver upgraded lobbies and the Aries Club amenity center.

FAQ

What lease did KKR sign?

KKR has signed a 15-year lease for 132,529 square feet at Two International Place in Boston.

How many people does KKR currently employ in Boston?

The firm currently employs over 300 people in Boston, primarily for its insurance business.

Will the new office support KKR’s broader operations?

The new office space will accommodate future growth and strengthen KKR’s U.S. footprint and global operations.

Is there a redevelopment planned at International Place?

The lease coincides with a $100 million reinvestment project at International Place, aimed at enhancing tenant experience.

What amenities will be added as part of the redevelopment?

The redevelopment includes a transformation of ground-level lobbies and entrances, as well as a new 25,000-square-foot amenity center called the Aries Club.

What views and features does Two International Place offer?

Two International Place features sweeping views of Boston’s waterfront and includes a private roof deck.

Who brokered the transaction?

The transaction was brokered by Jones Lang LaSalle, Newmark, and Cushman & Wakefield.

Is this KKR’s first downtown Boston office?

KKR’s move marks the firm’s first downtown Boston office establishment, expanding and consolidating local operations.

How does this lease fit into KKR’s recent corporate activity?

The announcement comes as KKR is expanding operations following its $7.1 billion acquisition of Global Atlantic Financial Group, finalized in 2023.

What does this lease mean for Boston’s office market?

This lease signals a significant milestone for Boston’s office market.

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At-a-glance: Lease and building facts

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

KKR Inks 15-Year Lease at Two International Place in Boston

Additional Resources

• Boston Real Estate Times
• The Boston Globe
• Connect CRE
• Commercial Search
• Bisnow
• Wikipedia: Boston
• Google Search: KKR BOSTON LEASE
• Google Scholar: KKR BOSTON LEASE
• Encyclopedia Britannica: KKR
• Google News: KKR BOSTON LEASE

Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER

BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.