HOUSTON-The Houston economy has added 62,300 new jobs in the last 12 months, as the manufacturing and mining sectors of the local economy have performed well. A strong construction market is being attributed to the 3.1% job increase.

AUSTIN-Susman Tisdale Gayle, a leading Austin-based architecture, planning and interior design firm, has been selected by National Instruments Corp. to design an eight-story, 370,000-sf office structure to house NIC's research and development teams.

HOUSTON-Macfarlan Real Estate Services' 1616 Voss is being honored with the National Real Estate Customer Service Award by CEL & Associates Inc. for achieving the highest level of tenant satisfaction and service excellence. The Sierra Club has recognized Post Properties' Midtown Plaza for it environmentally sensitive planning.

DALLAS-A New York City-based provider of e-business development and services has set up a base for sales and operations in the south central region at Gateway Commerce Park in Las Colinas.

HOUSTON-Friendswood Development Co. has purchased 1,050 acres south of Houston where it will develop a community called Savannah. The 2,500-home project is ticketed to open in fall 2001.

AUSTIN-Trammell Crow Co. has added three employees to its industrial division, including the selection of a new property manager with 10 years' experience in commercial property management.

ROUND ROCK, TX-The Austin region's largest employer is undertaking another e-commerce venture to create a dynamic domain for suppliers, buyers and customers. The Dell Marketplace will be up and running in October.

ARLINGTON, TX-City Council has soundly rejected a zoning change for a proposed 208,000-sf Wal-Mart Supercenter that has sparked a five-month feud as hot as the TX weather. Residents and council are undaunted by threats to reposition the store so economic benefits are reaped by a neighboring municipality.