Average rent rates in downtown Boston fell 1.6% last year in an area that normally commands some of the region’s highest prices for office space. And the region’s life sciences sector — so ...

With this move, the agencies collectively reduce their space needs by 24,000 ... represents the biggest new office lease signed in downtown — and all of Boston — so far this year.

Average rent rates in downtown Boston fell 1.6% last year in an area that normally commands some of the region’s highest prices for office space.