CHICAGO-Aries Capital closes approximately $215 million in loans during 2000 while focusing on the mezzanine-oriented, structured finance business. It was up more than 34% from 1999, when the company closed $160 million in loans.

VERNON HILLS, IL-One of three suburban office deals closed recently by Des Plaines, IL-based Arthur J. Rogers & Co. includes the accounting firm of Cole, Martin & Co. Ltd. taking office space in this far north suburb.

CHICAGO-Bad weather in the Midwest and a slumping economy is blamed for a 44.5% drop in fourth-quarter funds from operations for Horizon Group Properties, Inc. Exceptions were in Tulare, CA and Laughlin, NV.

Rather than fearing financial institutions' proposed entry into the real estate brokerage business, professionals nationwide question the wisdom of the move, as well as a bank's ability and willingness to service the client.

WAUKEGAN, IL-The diversified health care company with major land holdings in northeast Lake County takes 4,578 sf at Amhurst Business Center, joining Zeller Plastik, OmniCell Technologies, Uline Inc., Derse Exhibits and Medikmark in the 432-acre development.

CHICAGO-Joyce M. Slone takes over as president of the Chicago Chapter of Society of Industrial and Office Realtors for 2001. Rodger D. Chenore is vice president, Geoffrey Kasselman is secretary and Garry S. Weiss treasurer for 2001.

CHICAGO, IL-Part of the strategy for office property owners to lure or retain tenants is to increase amenities. Equity Office Properties Trust responds to customer input by launching a "people space" at 1 N. Franklin St.

BEDFORD PARK, IL-Location was a driving factor in the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago's decision to lease a one-story building at 4944 W. 73rd St. A new roof and other improvements also sweetened the deal.