DALLAS-In growing numbers, US and Canadian contrarians are tapping mounting opportunities south of the border, where the playing field has higher yield, particularly for hospitality and retail product, says an E&Y practice leader.

IRVING, TX-Millennium Center, one of four in a 1.4-million-sf block, goes from 67% occupancy to 76% with a dozen of renewals, expansions and new deals. Six of the 12 are newcomers to the Las Colinas Urban Center high-rise.

HURST, TX-Burk Collins & Co. begins work in March on a 104,000-sf big box and two abutting acres at Loop 820 and Pipeline Road. Circuit City will undertake a reverse build-to-suit while others who've lined up to sign will soon take pre-leasing to 100%.

DENTON, TX-Cirrus Group and Clary Development get what they need to start work: a long-term lease for a 40-physician partnership and construction financing of about $13.2 million from Regions Bank. The North Texas Metro Hospital will deliver in spring 2005.

CARROLLTON, TX-A 205,000-sf, class A build-to-suit for Primedia Workplace Learning, which has 10 years left on the lease, goes to an LLC of Transactional Financial Corp. for its first Texas buy. There's more money to spend, but that's it for Texas for now.

RICHARDSON, TX-A Maylar affiliate takes over a 76,950-sf warehouse with 60% occupancy in a 45-day start to finish, securing a one-year loan with a floating interest rate to flip the deed ASAP after waiting 1.5 years for the owner to say "yes.

DALLAS-Boxer Property's ability for a quick close sidelines six other serious bidders for the 152,474-sf Lyndon Plaza, a class B complex with class A visibility along LBJ Freeway. The 63%-leased complex came to market for $4.8 million.

GARLAND, TX-A Brite Co. signs a 10-year lease for 42,450 sf at 3217 Wood Dr., closing doors on three buildings in neighboring Dallas. The move, set for Feb. 15, comes with a $3 per sf base rent, triple net along with some TIs and free time.