TACOMA, WA-Echoing a trend in the real estate industry toward consolidation among regional and national firms, Colliers International and Flannigan-Ewing Real Estate merge. The new company will represent clients in Pierce, Thurston and South King County.

BELLEVUE, WA-Steeped in financial woes, the Denver-based telecommunications company is offering up its Downtown headquarters to the city as it relocates local workers to Seattle. Although the office building is appraised at nearly $58 million, the asking price is only around $28 million.

SEATTLE-Based on capitalization rates and price-per-sf paid, Seattle ranks No. 1 and Ventura and San Diego, Calif. are close behind in a new study released by Sperry Van Ness of San Francisco, which also ranks the best buyers markets around the country.

SEATTLE-The sale of the 119,000-sf class A office building represents the largest office transaction in the city so far this year, according to those involved in the deal. The five-story structure was 90% leased at time of sale.

SNOQUALMIE, WA-The first of five retail buildings in the planned community of Snoqualmie Ridge opens its doors, while construction begins on the second building, which has signed leases with a hair salon and beauty supply, a nail salon, a beer and wine shop, a dentist and a physical therapy office.

SEATTLE-As expected, an appeal has been filed on the 50-unit low-income housing project, to be located at the corner of Denny Way and Eastlake Avenue, a couple of blocks south of REI's flagship store and across an alley from a new Marriott hotel.

SEATTLE-The proposed International District Village Square II development is planned to include 57 apartments above 7,360 sf of retail, a 4,350-sf public library and a 15,900-sf community center. The City's determination that an environmental impact statement is not necessary for the project is being challenged.

BELLINGHAM, WA-In an effort to reward loyal shareholders and to increase its liquidity, Asia Properties, Inc., a publicly-traded company, says its board of directors is contemplating a 2 for 1 forward stock split.