NEW YORK CITY-Smaller space in cheaper digs--and a promise to keep city services on site--may end the months-long, much-publicized, often-criticized search for Bill Clinton's post-presidential base of operations.

NEW YORK CITY-In a move that caught more than a few people by surprise, former President Bill Clinton has nixed plans to move into the pricey Midtown office tower, opting--under much public pressure--for cheaper space. The frontrunner now is 55 W. 125th St.

SAN DIEGO-GMAC emerges as the industry's largest third-party commercial lender, while industry experts extol the health of CMBS. Keynoter Tony Pierson tells the crowd that economic fears might be premature.

SAN DIEGO-Andrew Woodward, in his opening convention address, calls '01 a year of challenge. But he voiced confidence that the association can make the challenges "work to our benefit.

I don't think any consortium can work. Too many hands in the pie.

NEW YORK CITY-Brookfield, Boston Properties, Blackstone, CIBC and Deutsche Bank have pooled their firepower to bid on the acquisition of the World Trade Center. The bids closed yesterday amid rumors that a joint venture had been formed.

NEW YORK CITY-Final bids were filed yesterday for the storied Twin Towers and various surrounding assets. Insiders report the Port Authority expects to get close to its $3-billion asking price, but the final results could take weeks.

NEW YORK CITY-Sam Zell doesn't flinch easily--not in the face of recession. He told a crowd here yesterday the fundamentals of a strong real estate market will get the industry through the economic woes of 2001's first half.