WASHINGTON, DC-The area makes up a considerable portion of the retirement fund's real estate portfolio. Relatively inactive this year, it looks as though TIAA-CREF is poised to make its first acquisition for 2006.

WASHINGTON, DC-The District of Columbia picks up a 38,311-sf office building for $15.3 million. It had been leased to the District's Department of Motor Vehicles.

STERLING, VA-A suburban Virginia mall owner plans to expand the site by an additional 6,184 sf now that $24-million refinancing is secured. The addition is scheduled to be completed early next year.

BETHESDA, MD-Meridian Capital Group's Bethesda office has closed or is in the process of closing $250 million in multifamily deals this year for the area. The firm has one large deal brewing here, GlobeSt.com has learned.

NEEDHAM, MA-Potomac Realty Capital taps Stephen E. Vickery to drive an upcoming CDO and preferred securities market launch and expand the company's nascent servicing initiative. He will also handle other balance sheet building activities.

WASHINGTON, DC-Construction employment sets a record for the 15th straight month, but area real estate developers do not foresee a significant impact on project costs.

VIENNA, VA-Feld Entertainment sells its headquarters here to America's Capital Partners for nearly $20.3 million. The parent company of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, Disney on Ice and Disney Live enters into a 12-year leaseback arrangement.

WASHINGTON, DC-Pending tax-extender bills of key interest to the real estate community are likely to move forward this month. The bills involve the extension of a 15-year leasehold improvement depreciation as well as an immediate deductibility for brownfields cleanup costs.