When Real Estate Forum last profiled GE Capital Real Estate in 2007, the firm was on an aggressive expansion path. Namely, growing its equity activities, particularly in global markets. Its focus was on acquisitions and operations, while most of its debt activity involved restructuring its loan portfolio.

THE GREAT RECESSION AND SUBSEQUENT SLUGGISH ECONOMY OF the past several years saw many commercial real estate service firms retrenching. Yet while its counterparts were cutting costs and announcing mass layoffs, Transwestern found itself doing just the opposite. The Houston-based commercial real estate services, investment and development firm took advantage of the dislocation in the market to embark on an aggressive growth plan that, according to company officials, has positioned it well for the upturn.

KENNESAW, GA—By next summer, students attending Kennesaw State University here will have a new housing option, thanks to Trinitas Ventures LLC and Harrison Street Real Estate Capital.

Just next door to the Big Apple, New Jersey's commercial real estate sector does very well for itself, with billions of feet of office, industrial, retail and multifamily space. The brokers that handle leasing and sales in the diverse market also do a good job of holding their own—if deals closed in the state this past year are any indication. The editors of Real Estate Forum took stock of the brokers who were responsible for…

ATHENS, GA—Landmark Properties and Harrison Street Real Estate Capital have kicked off work on what’s said to be the first core, purpose-built student housing property in the city’s Downtown.

PHILADELPHIA—After more than a year in the planning stages, ground has broken on a $100-million student housing community on the site of the former John Wanamaker School here.

HOUSTON—Dinerstein Cos.’ Sterling University Housing has recently received LEED for Homes Gold certifications from the US Green Building Council for four of its student housing properties.

Mere months after making its debut in the market, Corvias Campus Living has entered into an agreement to build its first student residence facility.