This time, it's not a corporate takeover but instead an expanded lease at Preston Commons, located at 8117 Preston Rd. in North Dallas. Shelve any image of plush penthouse offices and corporate jets. The savvy and seasoned oilman is taking it slow this time, adding just 3,107 sf for a total office size of 6,507 sf in an Equity Office Properties high-rise.

Henry S. Miller Commercial's senior vice president Jerry Averyt, whose Texas drawl dances off every syllable, tells GlobeSt.com that foremost it has been a fun deal to cut, size notwithstanding. "He's just a super nice guy and great to work with ... and the people over there are wonderful," Averyt says.

Since September 2000, Averyt has been scouting the Dallas metroplex, honing in on Picken's home turf in upscale Turtle Creek for another office. In the end, Pickens has decided to stay put for the long term because additional space has come to market at his Preston Commons location, where the quoted rate is $23.50 per sf plus electric. Equity has used in-house representative Jessie O'Brien to seal the deal.