ORLANDO-The city ranked sixth in the nation in the first nine months of 2001, down from second place in 1999, according to a new University of Central Florida study by Dr. David F. Scott Jr. Las Vegas has led UCF's private construction intensity index since 1998.

MARION, OH-About $4.5 million will fund renovations, new equipment and building purchases in four Ohio communities. A $2.25-million project here tops the list, along with a $1-million building renovation in Athens, OH.

ARLINGTON, TX-Merit Acquisitions shells out $4.1 million for the 102-unit Brazos Park complex in South Arlington. It's just the beginning of a Texas buying wave, says a Merit principal. Three class A complexes should close in four months.

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL-The owners of the 77,000-sf retail property couldn't find a bid that exceeded the secret minimum reserve price.