Port lease amendment for Autodesk at Pier 9 advanced after questions on bidding

The Budget and Finance Committee advanced a second amendment to Autodesk's lease at Pier 9, which expands Autodesk's footprint by approximately 18,000 square feet and establishes initial monthly rent near $55,000.

Jeff Bauer, the Port's leasing manager, described the transaction as part of a sequence: an initial lease for Pier 9 space approved by the Port Commission in September was later expanded, triggering Board review because the cumulative lease term and revenues exceeded thresholds that require Board approval. Bauer said Autodesk will provide substantial tenant improvements and a guaranteed investment in port property.

The budget analyst reported the port's estimated net revenue for the first year would be about $223,005 and projected total revenues over a 10-year term in the multi-million range, and noted a correction to the memorandum on square footage. The analyst also observed that the original Pier 9 lease was not competitively bid consistent with port practice; supervisors pressed the port to clarify when and why competitive-bid procedures are waived and asked that the Port Commission develop clearer guidance for Board communication.

The committee accepted the budget analyst recommendation and moved the item forward with a recommendation to the full Board, noting a supervisory request for improved transparency on competitive-bid waivers.