CHICAGO-Equity Office Properties expects the recession to be longer than anticipated, believes it is prepared to weather the storm. The US' largest office owner sees strength in Central Business Districts, softness in the suburbs.

CHICAGO-Tenants across Central Business District submarkets willing to sign on the dotted line are finding cost-saving opportunities, building managers and leasing brokers report.

NORTHBROOK, IL-The 386-room Sheraton Hotel here will become a Marriott Renaissance during a $6.5-million renovation, a result of the $26.5-million sale by Prudential Insurance to joint venture partner Davidson Hotels.

MILWAUKEE-CenterPoint Properties Trust, the largest industrial property owner in the Chicago market, reports vacancies in its suburban properties here is just 2%, down from 10% of a year ago.

CHICAGO-The success of the "war against evil" will dictate the severity of the recession and best-case scenarios are failing to pan out, two economists tell the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties conference.

MILWAUKEE-CenterPoint Properties Trust, the largest industrial property owner in the Chicago market, reports vacancies in its suburban properties here is just 2%, down from 10% of a year ago.

ROMEOVILLE, IL-The baking and cake decorating products manufacturer relocates from nearby Woodridge next month as it expands to larger quarters in the 800-acre Pinnacle Business Center, located near two I-55 interchanges.

CHICAGO-Appraisal Research Counselors vice presidents acknowledge some previously announced projects are being pulled back in the wake of the economic slowdown, but see "potential for very long sustainability.