TAMPA, FL-The vacancy rate amongst the 148-million-sf inventory is down to 8.4% from 8.9% in 3Q 2002. Net absorption remains in the negative column and rent rates are expected to be flat until mid-year, according to a new market analysis by Grubb & Ellis Co.

PARSIPPANY, NJ-The company is looking for affiliates, or to set up new firms run by other companies' disgruntled brokers, or to buy existing companies outright--and officials are now naming their target markets

HOUSTON-Tree Data will open its first Houston office in 5,089 sf of the block of vacant IBM space at Two Riverway in the Galleria submarket. To date, IBM's realignment has turned around 37,000 sf. It has 40,000 sf still on the market.

CHICAGO-Three proposals for the "barrier free" building designed by Stanley Tigerman have been rejected for a variety of reasons, including developer inexperience, lack of financing or vague plans. However, continued interest in 1055 W. Roosevelt Rd. is reported.