CHARLOTTE HARBOR, FL-Publix Super Markets Inc. has purchased a shopping center where it houses one of its grocery stores here in a deal valued at $4.7 million.

FORT LAUDERDALE-Locally-based Chieftain Holdings has acquired the former Howard Johnson beachfront hotel here for $20 million in a bankruptcy auction.

HOLLYWOOD, FL-An affiliate of Fort Lauderdale-based Stiles Corp. has secured a $27.4 million loan from Wells Fargo to begin construction on the West Lake shopping center here.

CHICAGO-Waterton Associates has taken out a second mortgage of $12 million on its 24-story apartment tower in River North.

BALTIMORE-The Baltimore City Council passed a tax credit geared at encouraging developers to build apartment projects in the city.

PHILADELPHIA-Locally-based retailer Five Below reports it is launching six new stores on Friday in Michigan that will bring its portfolio there to 18 locations.

PHILADELPHIA-The law firm Drinker Biddle & Reath L.L.P. is preparing to reduce the size of its Philadelphia headquarters space, while expanding its presence in Manhattan.

NEWARK, NJ-United Airlines reports that it will spend $150 million to upgrade its facilities at Newark Liberty International Airport here as part of its lease extension.