A.D. Little Could Sell Property

Arthur D. Little, the North Cambridge consulting firm which is losing a prolonged court battle with the city over its now-discontinued nerve gas testing, has invited Harvard and other area property-owners to look at their plant for possible purchase.

But Kathryn Graf, a spokesman for the international research and management consulting company that explores issues such as artificial intelligence, environmental studies, health care, said A.D. Little does not have plans to move.

"It's not unusual that people are interested in Acorn Park, the property that we are giving tours of, because of it's location, size and desirability," said Graf. But she added, "If we received an offer that we couldn't refuse, we certainly would take them up on it."

Alma Trinor, the company's vice president of public relations, said that they are "open to certain options" and one of them is the sale of the property.

"We have in the works an expansion plan in Acorn Park, to consolidate related activities in Burlington to our present location," said Trinor. "But it's an expensive building plan, and we have to examine the alternatives."

Harvard Real Estate, Inc., as contacted by A.D. Little representatives early in the fall, said Harvard Director of Planning Robert A. Silverman, who toured the facility in November.

"The company is thinking of leaving Acorn Park," said Silverman, "And Harvard is just making a general inquiry, we have no firm plans yet."

"We have to work on the basis of long range planning, and see what the need is for lab and office space," said Jacqueline O'Neill, Harvard associate vice president for state and community affairs.

"Our labs are old, and we don't know if we need more, but if we do," said O'Neill, "it would be a lot easier to aquire built space," such as the facilities at Arthur D. Little.

A. D. Little representatives declined to comment on whether or not concerns about further city regulations on their activities were affecting their potential decision to move.

Several other establishments besides Harvard, including Emerson College, have toured the property, said Trinor. She added, however, "It would have to be a very rich offer for us to move."