AUSTIN-TD Waterhouse snaps up the highly visible Scarbrough Building space at Sixth and Congress streets vacated by Charles Schwab & Co. The latter moves to 100 Congress, where it will occupy 5,800 sf.

AUSTIN-Marcus & Millichap forecasts the retail market, fueled by population and job growth, will remain strong with high rents, although a slight vacancy increase is expected. Development activity will likely happen in outlying areas.

SAN ANTONIO-Pat O'Brien's starts work on 20,000-sf restaurant in Alamo City's entertainment district while the Cheesecake Factory opens in a former movie theater in Austin's Arboretum shopping center. Pat O'Brien's has restaurants in New Orleans, Orlando, Memphis and Cancun, Mexico.

AUSTIN-The state's Sunset Commission says Texas' business development department needs a direct link to the governor's office to be effective. After putting the department on probation two years ago, the commission recommends another 12 years for the agency.

AUSTIN-The Arlington, TX-based restaurant chain should have its first area store open by year-end. Leasing continues for other pad sites at Three Points Centre at Interstate 35 and FM 1825.

ROUND ROCK, TX-With the site selected, the next step is to lobby the Texas Legislature for

AUSTIN-The retail office sticks with a high-profile corner, taking 5,300 sf for seven years on the second floor of 100 Congress. Class A space in the CBD and better parking for clients were the main considerations.

AUSTIN-Mike Rollins, former chamber president in Nashville, begins his Austin duties Dec. 16. His first target will be to woo office users since there's ample supply and heated competition in the local ranks.