AUSTIN-Koger will continue to oversee its Austin and San Antonio properties that are part of a 3.9 million-sf portfolio under option from New York-based Apollo Real Estate Advisors. It's a $300-million option that allows Koger to shop the market.

AUSTIN-Sam's Club has signed for 117,000 sf vacated by Home Improvement Center HQ in the state capital's south submarket. Enough space will be added to take the nationwide retailer to 130,000 sf in time for its fall opening.

AUSTIN-The guessing is over as the owner of a 700,000-sf, eight-building site abutting the Domain readies it for the sales block in the coming weeks. It's one of the heaviest one-time hits this year for an Austin submarket.

AUSTIN-General Employment is packing it in at its Cielo Center office. It's not a relocation, but rather an exit of the market, which has been an under performer in the company's network. One Ohio and two California offices also make the shutdown list.

AUSTIN-Just days before a $147.5-million bond sale, the city snags an AA+ rating from Fitch. The bond sale will finance capital improvement and equipment. The rating company says it's a reflection of the city's historically strong economic growth.

SAN ANTONIO-Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse is undertaking a serious expansion in San Antonio. A 150,000-sf store is gearing up for an opening in the northwest submarket, another is ticketed for the southeast and a third goes to Kerrville.

AUSTIN-BroadJump possibly has signed the largest lease this year this city, which has been at the mercy of the volatile high-tech market. The software developer has sealed a deal for 90,000 sf at the Domain. Move-in occurs Nov. 1.

AUSTIN-Fired Up Inc., owner of Johnny Carino's Country Italian eateries, has snagged Franklin Carson, a veteran restaurateur for its board. He owns 21 Applebee's in Tampa and Johnny Carino franchises.