WAKEFIELD, MASS. — Franklin Street Properties Corp. (NYSE: FSP), a Wakefield, Mass.-based REIT, has reported that it collected 95 percent of rent payments due for May at its office properties despite revenue concerns amid the COVID-19 outbreak. When the outbreak began in the United States, office users across the country were forced to lay off employees while others were restricted to working from home. Even as states begin to reopen and some employees are returning to their offices, many companies are reconsidering lease signings and expansions.
In addition, Franklin reported that none of its properties has sustained significant damage as a result of the ongoing nationwide protests. Franklin owns and operates 35 office properties totaling approximately 9.5 million square feet, primarily located in infill and central business districts in 10 Southeastern and Midwestern states. Some tenants have requested rent relief in the form of deferrals for varying lengths of time, which Franklin has granted in particular instances while seeking extended lease terms. The REIT’s stock price closed at $5.15 per share on June 2, down from $7.52 per share at the same time last year.