JACKSONVILLE, FL-The city with the largest land area in Florida (759 square miles) and home of the largest privately owned commercial real estate firm in the state (St. Joe Co.) has shaved its combined vacancy level to 14.3% from a 2001 high of 17%, but a new report predicts full recovery is at least six months away.

CHICAGO-An often emotional four-hour hearing does not stop the community development commission from unanimously green-lighting a mixed-use redevelopment of the former Goldblatt's building at 4720-40 N. Broadway. Border's Books will be the anchor retail tenant.

ATLANTA-The locally based firm received a $4.8 million loan through NetFunding.com and JP Morgan Mortgage Capital for The Centre at Panola in Lithonia, GA. The loan carries a 6.78% interest rate.

NEW YORK CITY-The cash comes from the state Thruway Authority's $200-million construction program for 2002 and will be used for bridge and road repairs in the city and surrounding areas.