ASHWAUBENON, WI—After years of planning and problems, two Midwest stadiums claim to be finally moving forward on large redevelopment plans next to their ballparks. The Green Bay Packers have signed a lease with Cabela's to anchor a planned development zone near Lambeau Field in Ashwaubenon, WI, and the St. Louis Cardinals, in partnership with the Cordish Cos., have signed a few restaurants to anchor the first phase of the $550-million Ballpark Village.

TORONTO—Through the first half of the year, Canada has continued its run of strong growth, due in part to its conservative banking and lending practices and to Western Canadian growth by oil and gas firms.

MINNEAPOLIS—Of the two Midwest-based NFL teams this year that threatened to leave their hometowns in stadium disputes, one has been resolved while the other battle is just beginning. The Minnesota Vikings and the state have reached an agreement to tear down the Metrodome here and build a new $975-million stadium. The St. Louis Rams are just starting their battle over a $700-million renovation of the Edward Jones Dome—or a possible move away.

LONDON—As Greece now considers a pullout from the euro currency, and Spain and even the United Kingdom plunge back into recession, most commercial real estate experts agree that problems across the pond have a strong impact on the global markets. However, they also agree that the United States can benefit from the troubles as well, as lenders look for alternative investment regions.

INDIANAPOLIS—As the retail market struggles to make its comeback, two trends seem to be growing in terms of store loss and development: big boxes are shrinking and outlets are taking over. Two main Midwest-based store brands, Sears and Best Buy, announced plans in the first quarter to shrink both store count and store size. However, Simon Property Group and Taubman Centers, both Midwest mall developers, have gone on an outlet-building tear, sometimes even competing in the same market.

RIO DE JANEIRO—Latin America continues to see growth in new projects and leasing activity, led by preparation in Brazil for the 2016 Olympic Games, as well as investors drawn to the emerging markets in the rest of South America and the Caribbean.

KANSAS CITY, MO—Entertainment real estate is making a comeback in the Midwest, as plans move forward in Ohio for more casinos and racetracks and a redevelopment plan for Navy Pier gains traction in Chicago. Meanwhile, locally based REIT Entertainment Properties Trust has signed about $150 million in build-to-suit deals and property acquisitions throughout the country as part of a portfolio expansion plan. Most of the properties are new movie theaters, and the deals are part of planned 2012 spending of up to $300 million.

The Midwest property markets are riding a surge, thanks to the apartment sector, gaming industry and corporate headquarters business.