AUSTIN-American Metro/Study says there's a definite shortage of all housing types in Austin. Less than a month's supply had been on the market at the close of 2000. Over in San Antonio, where the economy's slowing, there's better than a month's supply of finished product.

AUSTIN-It's not nearly as bad as it seems in Austin, which is practically recession proof, says Transwestern's year-end report that prints today. Austin can thank its emergence in the global economy, strong semiconductor and software development industries and quality of life that keeps skilled college graduates in town.

FT. WORTH-Dell Computer insists it is moving ahead with a 500-acre Ft. Worth expansion despite this week's 1,700-employee layoff. There's also no sign that a 75,000-sf lease at Alliance is in jeopardy. But as reporters have learned this week, there's always the chance that it's not "the final answer.

AUSTIN-The city's east and southeast submarkets are faring the worst in the region for bulk warehouse product, according to a year-end report by NAI/CIP's Austin office. Still, it had been a record-breaking year around town, with absorption exceeding 2.5 million sf.

DALLAS-First Industrial is using a 49-acre buy in Pinnacle Park to jockey for positioning as an industrial developer in Dallas-Ft. Worth. Until recently, the Chicago-based firm had stuck to buying existing properties in the metroplex.

AUSTIN-It's been a relatively active week in the Austin-San Antonio leasing arena. Five deals for 57,957 sf have been sealed for office, retail and industrial buildings. Simplified Development has snagged the largest spot, 21,575 sf of industrial space along Austin's Metric Boulevard.

AUSTIN-It's not nearly as bad as it seems in Austin, which is practically recession proof, says Transwestern's year-end report that prints today. Austin can thank its emergence in the global economy, strong semiconductor and software development industries and quality of life that keeps skilled college graduates in town.

DALLAS-Hard work does have its just rewards as proven by R. Dary Stone, who has just been named president and COO of Atlanta-based Cousins Properties Inc. The region's favorite son says the only change coming for his Texas operation is the Las Colinas team will be undertaking more projects.