OAK BROOK, IL-Des Moines-based Principal Life Insurance Co. has acquired the two-building, 294,000-sf office complex on 15 acres just east of Oakbrook Center for $188 per sf. McDonald's Corp. leases all 79,820 sf of one of the buildings.

SEATTLE-Fitch Ratings downgrades $195 million in debt securities tied to the 76-story office tower in Downtown Seattle owned by Equity Office Properties Trust, saying, "The lower market rents, increased vacancy and limited new leasing activity may affect the borrower's ability to refinance the loan at maturity in December 2004.

HOUSTON-The portfolio will get its jumpstart with three office acquisitions: two in New York City and one in Washington, DC. The marriage is intended to be long lasting, with Hines in the driver's seat for property management and leasing after the deals close.

FOREST PARK, IL-The university's decision to relocate its administrative, information technology and finance departments to other locations puts the five-story building at 8601 W. Roosevelt Rd. in play. Sealed bids are due May 2.