PHILADELPHIA-The vacancy rate for the overall industrial sector that includes

MECHANICSBURG, PA-A healthcare behemoth will result from the acquisition of NJ-based Kessler's six hospitals and 92 outpatient clinics by the locally based operator of 75 acute care hospitals in 24 states and 739 outpatient clinics throughout North America.

PHILADELPHIA-On August 11, the 200-bed hospital in North Philadelphia will stop taking patients. On September 8, it will close its doors. The Santa Barbara, CA-based owner continues discussions with potential buyers of its 243-bed Elkins Park hospital in Montgomery County.

BETHLEHEM, PA-The Mid-Atlantic office of Minnesota-based Opus Group acquired two contiguous parcels totaling 43 acres here for construction of three 235,000-sf buildings and 52 acres in Mercer County, NJ, for one 700,000-sf warehouse. Land and development costs exceed $55 million.

JENKINTOWN, PA-The day after raising $804.3 million in its initial public offering, the locally based bank REIT acquires 158 facilities containing approximately 8.1 million sf in a sale/leaseback deal. Among the properties is Chicago's 50-story, 1.03-million-sf Bank of America Center.

PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA-Michael G. Mortimer, who joined the locally based retail REIT as property accountant in 1995 and was promoted to controller in 1999, has been named VP. He will continue to serve as controller, responsible for SEC compliance.

PHILADELPHIA-The central axis of the new 160,000-sf, two-story building aligns perfectly with the center of Independence Hall, four blocks to the south, where the U.S. Constitution was originally debated. The new Liberty Bell Center, under construction, will complete Independence Mall.

PHILADELPHIA-For the second time this year, Jefferson Hospital's plans for a downtown parking garage meet opposition. Under pressure from a civic group, it sold one property. An attempt is underway to reverse the city's approval for an alternate site.