HOUSTON-The L.J. Melody real estate investment banking firm has arranged $44.8 million in financing for two apartment projects owned by CWS Apartment Homes. The loans have been sold to Freddie Mac.

AUSTIN-A growing roster of high-tech clients has an out-of-state firm opening an Austin office. The PNC Convergence Group holds the contract for the National PriceWaterhouse Coopers MoneyTree Survey.

KATY, TX-Talks are under way to finalize contracts for the balance of a 350,000-sf retail center that has been three years in the making in Katy. An electronics store and wholesale club will cap the project for full build out.

DALLAS-Dallas-based Koll Corporate Development is taking a sure bet, forming a joint venture with a subsidiary of Harrah's Entertainment Inc. to develop a $19 million, class-A corporate build-to-suit in suburban Cincinnati. Construction is expected to get under way in the fourth quarter.

AUSTIN-Vectris Communications, one of the area's most successful network solutions companies, is leasing 35,000 sf at 6500 River Place Blvd in west Austin. The company projects its employment will peak to 200 by year's end.

HOUSTON-A out-of-state investor is buying a 704-unit multi-family complex in Corpus Christi from Atlanta-based Lend Lease Real Estate Investments.

DALLAS-High-tech providers from Cincinnati and Denver are up and running in Dallas' newest high-tech hotel - the refurbished Levitz Furniture Co. at 1333 N. Stemmons Freeway. Broadwing has leased 72,000 sf while Inflow Inc. has signed for 60,234 sf.

HOUSTON-The Morgan Group is adding a new senior vice president for construction to its staff. The hire will oversee high-end projects in Houston, California and Denver.