SAN FRANCISCO-Michael E. Hines, formerly with Merrill Lynch Capital, joins GE Real Estate as a senior director of its North America Lending division.

HOUSTON-Experts say the pending sale of Williams Tower, now under contract for $271.5 million, is a testament to office market fundamentals and the local economy in general.

HOUSTON-Christus signs a 10-year pact for most of a 176,459-sf building and gets dibs on the rest. The sweet spot is it's close to its long-time office, which will be sold.

CHICAGO-The investment firm signs a lease for more than 340,000 sf in the 52-story tower, which will have 1.1 million sf.