HOWELL, MI-The North Carolina mall REIT sells a Fort Lauderdale property and 1 million shares of common stock to complete the purchase of a retail center in metropolitan Detroit, a market it has been combing for opportunities.

BOSTON-The Boston Redevelopment Authority approves the redevelopment of the former Charles Street Jail into a 305-room luxury hotel. The agency initially postponed making a decision about the project because the developer couldn't reach an agreement with the hotel workers' union.

The Washington Legislature convenes in mid-January for a short session that should be pretty tame, at least by comparison to last year. The 2003 Legislature…

NEW YORK CITY-Anchor tenant Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield will occupy 395,000 sf in the 19-story building. Broker Mary Ann Tighe, who represented the firm, tells GlobeSt.com that completing construction so close to 9/11 lends a poignant note to the celebration.