BOSTON—After a lackluster winter, the Boston regional commercial real estate market picked up quite nicely, according to commercial real estate services firm Cassidy Turley.

WASHINGTON, DC—The global consulting company Advisory Board Co. has taken the first steps in launching a search for corporate headquarters space in the region.

WASHINGTON, DC—The Federal Reserve System's Inspector General is questioning the escalating project cost for the renovation of 1700 G St. NW for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

YONKERS, NY—Forest City Enterprises Inc., reports it has closed on a three-year $350-million bridge financing for its Ridge Hill retail complex off the New York State Thruway here.

MONTVILLE, NJ—Vision Real Estate Partners has acquired the former Bayer Healthcare office campus here and is in the throes of deciding whether to re-lease the two-office buildings there or redevelop and reposition the property as a mixed-use asset.

PHILADELPHIA—The Archdiocese of Philadelphia in its continuing effort to stabilize its finances has sold its six nursing homes and one assisted living facility to a New York City-based senior facilities operator for $145 million.

EDISON, NJ—Thanks to about $10 million in federal post Hurricane Sandy aid as well as federal construction financing assistance, the $37-million Kilmer Homes affordable housing project has broken ground.

ATLANTA—Columbia Property Trust, Inc. reports it has sold a total of three office buildings in Orlando, FL, Columbia, MD, and Florham Park, NJ that will bring the office REIT net proceeds of $88.5 million.