CHICAGO-A zoning change allowing Houston-based Hines Interests LP to build a 1.3-million-sf office tower, 62% more than current zoning allows, is endorsed by the plan commission. Kirkland & Ellis will anchor the $400-million riverfront building when it opens in 2009.

BELLEVUE, WA-One year after eschewing a public-private partnership for a major hotel on its half of the Meydenbauer Convention Center block here, Schnitzer Northwest appears ready to move forward next year on its alternate plan, an 875,000-sf, two-tower office and retail development.

SAN DIEGO-The Houston-based Hines makes a major play in the area with its acquisition of Pacific Plaza at Torrey Hills, a three-building, 225,000-sf office campus. The firm agrees to pay more than $400 a sf.

HOUSTON-Rowan Cos. renews and expands its class A office lease, rolling in another 4,642 sf. A tenant since 1991, Rowan agrees to another five-year stay in the 63%-leased, 1.5-million-sf high rise.