McLeod USA, a five-year tenant, re-upped 5,176 sf at 9801 Westheimer Rd. Jon Silberman with the Houston office of NAI Partners Commercial tells GlobeSt.com that the tenant looked at several options in the Westchase submarket. The decision to stay was mortared in the economic deal on the table for the firm's sales and marketing office. McLeod also occupied office space in Woodlands' Research Forest area.

In addition to Silberman, NAI's Krissie Brisban helped with the lease negotiations. Webb Woytkyns of Houston-based PM Realty Group represented the building owner, 9801 Westchase Ltd. The quoted rate in the 200,000-sf building runs $18 per sf.

The newly formed Rainier Exploration LP signed a long-term lease for its first office, a 1,179-sf spot at 340 North Belt near George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Ken Young of Rainier Exploration says the company chose the 114,026-sf, two-story building because it had a suite ready for move in plus the cost fell within budgeted amount. The building's quoted rate is $12.50 per sf.

Lucian Bukowski in Staubach Co.'s Houston office represented the new company while Wanda Wilson and Marci Phillips, both with PM Realty Group, brokered terms for the building owner, KBS Realty Advisors. The new deal puts 340 North Belt at 76% occupancy.