PHOENIX-Cheaper lease rates allow the insurance giant to expand by 1,000 sf under a six-year agreement for 6,047 sf with a Central Avenue high-rise. Recent upgrades to the building, sign and central location factor into decision to stay.

SCOTTSDALE, AZ-A fully occupied, 12,172-sf building in the downtown sells after 15 months on the market. Black Canyon Phoenix LLC gets a solid tenant, prime location and ample parking space in an area where parking is a premium.

MESA, AZ-For more than a year, the 113-unit Southbank Apartments fell in and out of escrow, plagued by high vacancies and low rent collections that put lenders on edge. A new management company lifts occupancy to 80% to carry the deal to the closing table.

PHOENIX-Buzz Oats, a developer of large distribution buildings, buys about 13.7 acres in the Camelback Business Center by winning over the seller with a $596,138 cash offer and a vision of placing several freestanding buildings on the acreage.

PHOENIX-Construction kicks off this week on overhaul and expansion of the Phoenix Civic Plaza to more than triple the space in the CBD complex. The city hopes the project, set to be completed in 2009, will lure conventions and trade shows to the downtown.

PHOENIX-A non-profit firm that specializes in assisted living has found a central office where it can bring several at-home employees under roof with the staff. Arizona ALFA will move into the Virginia Park property at 333 East Virginia Ave. in January.

PHOENIX-An assumable mortgage "scared off" at least 10 prospective buyers of a 71-unit complex, leaving it on the market for almost a year. But then a pair of out-of-state investors saw long-term value and came up with a full-price offer.

GLENDALE, AZ-The Glen had been on the market six months when a McLean, VA investor stepped in with an offer of $7.3 million. Now, the new owner is hoping to cure a 25% vacancy and fix up the 200-unit property to turn a profit.