Chicago

CHICAGO-High-powered real estate partnership that includes Lakeside East backers Magellan and Near North gets big construction loan from a group of banks led by Bank of America. The Grand Plaza will be built on the last remaining parcel of the AMA's formerly huge near-north land holdings.

CHICAGO- The nation's largest industrial REIT has reached a preliminary agreement to sell its huge 50-property, Long Island portfolio to an undisclosed buyer. The trust says its eight-market, nationwide disposition plan continues to move forward.

CHICAGO- Real estate titan continues to predict massive consolidation for the real estate industry, saying the upcoming changes will be akin to the "oligopolization" of steel and autos early last century. Zell says the two REITs he launched and in which he remains the largest shareholder, Equity Office REIT and Equity Residential REIT, will increasingly focus on offering services to their huge client base. Sees Equity Residential offering insurance and mortgages to renters who are leaving to buy homes.

CHICAGO - Firm names veteran to newly created position.

LOMBARD, IL- Chicago suburban homebuilder selects FCL Builders to construct its new HQ.