WASHINGTON, DC-Office space at the corner of 17th and K streets is in store for a change in status as developers and contractors demolish two class B structures that will ultimately be replaced by a 530,000-sf class A trophy property. The $50-million endeavor is on target for a winter 2005 completion date.

INDEPENDENCE, VA-Harvest Pharmaceuticals plans to open its new call center and distribution facility in the 40,000-sf Parson and Rives Building. The $3.3 million project will create about 30 new jobs and is expected to be fully operational before summer's end.

SILVER SPRING, MD-The FDA's development of a 550,000-sf structure within the Federal Research Center at White Oak, moves ahead with the selection of a contractor to head construction of the $55-million project.

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD-Office space leasing activity continues at a brisker than expected pace--considering the lagging economy-as evidenced by NAI KLNB Inc.'s recent completion of leasing at the Hampton South Business Center and the structure at 4201 Mitchellville Rd.

CHEVY CHASE, MD-Jacksonville, FL-headquartered upscale retailer Stein Mart takes on 27,000 sf in the 140,000-sf retail segment of the upgraded Chevy Chase Pavilion. The lease marks the completion of the shopping center's repositioning, and Stein Mart's debut in the Washington, DC area market.

SUITLAND, MD-Development of the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration's new $61 million headquarters moves ahead with the GSA's recent selection of 3D/International Inc. to handle construction management for the 210,000-sf project.

TYSONS CORNER, VA-Government contractor Sytex Inc. signs an office lease in the 220,000-sf mixed-use development at 8027 Leesburg Pike. The firm will occupy nearly 17,000 sf. Office space in the building generally snags $28.50 per-sf.

HENRICO COUNTY, VA-New York City-based Philip Morris USA forsakes the Big Apple for Virginia with the recent announcement that it will relocate its corporate headquarters to Henrico County. The Fortune 500 company will make its new home in a 250,000-sf building that formerly housed Reynolds Metals.