Consumer group to buy downtown office space

The National Consumer Law Center, a Boston-based advocacy group that helps low-income consumers nationwide, plans to buy a commercial condominium in Boston's Downtown Crossing to serve as its permanent headquarters.

The center said it has rented space in various Boston buildings since its founding in 1970.

The purchase of a commercial condo at Winthrop Square is partly made possible by the actions of the Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, which has issued $6.4 million in tax exempt bonds for the center.

The center will use proceeds from the bonds, which were purchased by Boston Private Bank & Trust Co., to buy and renovate space for its headquarters, MassDevelopment said.

The consumer law center expects to complete the relocation to its new home by the summer.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)