PLYMOUTH, MI-In spite of the recession, DeMattia Group handles more than 800,000 sf of leasing and construction since August, mostly for warehouse and high-tech facilities in suburbs west and south of Detroit.

DEARBORN, MI-An Arab-American group trying to raise money to build a health center, a youth center and a museum in this Detroit suburb to serve a population expected to grow to 500,000 by the end of the decade.

ST. CLAIR SHORES, MI-City Place on the Shore, a proposed development that would add 900 condominiums, retail space and offices on the shore of Lake St. Clair, would give this community a much-needed addition to its tax base, says the city manager.

DETROIT-Vacancies are up while absorption and rental rates are down. Among the positive signs, however, has been a climb in interest, Colliers International says in their third-quarter office and industrial market report.

DETROIT-Overbuilding is not a problem, and as a result, there are no fire sales or foreclosures in the market, notes Paragon Corporate Realty Services. However, property owners are relying heavily on incentives to keep tenants they have and hold down vacancy rates.

ROYAL OAK, MI-Two suburban Detroit developers say their unique plans for 12-unit multifamily buildings are being copied by Centex Homes and locally-based Crosswinds Communities. The two-story buildings offer private access to garages.

DETROIT-A $12.5-million welcome and cultural center, along with 45,000 sf of office and retail space, will be built at the base of Ambassador Bridge. The non-profit 501(c)(3) Mexicantown Community Development Corp. is building the project.

AUBURN HILLS, MI-The automotive supplier is building a 60,000-sf facility in the Pinnacle Corporate Center, using tax credits and abatements from the Michigan Economic Growth Authority, Michigan Economic Development Corp. and city.