PHOENIX-The Atlanta-based Wood Partners is seeking a $1.4-million abatement to build a 300-unit project on a three-acre CBD tract. The hope is to break ground in early 2005 so the "for rent" units would be ready to occupy in second quarter 2006.

MESA, AZ-Michael A. Pollack is revving up to renovate and reposition Sun Valley Plaza, bought with a 25% occupancy in an off-market deal with New Plan Excel. The repositioning pro will spend the next three months polishing the holding.

PHOENIX-Arizona Copier Outlet and Sage Counseling sign three-year leases for a combined 2,060 sf in Deer Valley and Midtown, respectively. Both are ready-to-go office suites.

PHOENIX-After 18 months of wrangling, American Express Co. holds tight to a 169,071-sf building in the Canyon Corporate Plaza for another 10 years. The lengthy decision-making pitted the renewal against a build-to-suit at the corporate campus.

AVONDALE, AZ-A Camarillo, CA private investor has settled on a $2.6-million purchase of the 60-unit Country Aire Apartments along North Palo Verde Drive. Occupancy shot from 85% to 100% during the short closing process.

TEMPE, AZ-The class A office property is providing a 4,076-sf office for the General Services Administration and 10,000 sf of extra room for Logan Simpson Design Inc., a 3.5-year tenant pushing the ante from 5,000 sf.

MESA, AZ-The 210,000-sf Stapley Corporate Center promises class A office and retail space in a submarket that has experienced very little new construction over the last three years. If the plan stays on course, ground could break in December.

PHOENIX-Geotechnical & Environmental Consultants Inc. crafts a 10-year lease for a 25,596-sf building in the Southbank submarket to get an extra 8,000 sf of operating space. The relocation will wrap up before the upcoming holiday weekend.