PHILADELPHIA-The city's average retail rents increased $0.19 per sf in 2002 and will add 2% more in 2003. The vacancy rate will peak at 9.3% in 2003, according to research by the local Marcus & Millichap office.

SAN DIEGO, CA-Raptor Holdings LLC dba S & S Bakery snaps up the 34,153-sf building, which is located in Otay Mesa's Britannia Corporate Center complex. Completed in June, the new shell facility consists of both industrial and office space.

ATLANTA-Merrill Lynch Mortgage Lending Inc. is providing a $309 million credit facility for the locally based firm that operates franchises including Holiday Inn, Marriott, Hilton and Crowne Plaza.

ANN ARBOR, MI-Local brokers Daniel Champion and John Earle, both with years of experience in the state's commercial markets, will serve as senior advisors for Sperry Van Ness.