SAN FRANCISCO-In the largest lease deal in San Francisco this year, the law firm Farella, Braun & Martell renews and expands it lease to 112,208-sf in the Russ Building, a historic building on Montgomery Street, in the city's North Financial District.

CHICAGO-A 39,000-sf site between the West Loop and United Center would see up to 195,000 sf of new residential and retail space, according to a request for proposals issued by the city's department of planning and development.

LONDON-A major new letting at Great Brighams Mead sees nearly 85,000 sf taken out of Reading's office supply. Despite the widely-reported downturn in telecoms stocks, it went to Hutchison 3G.

NEW YORK CITY-As real estate investors increasingly seek stability amid economic uncertainty, less luxurious but more dependable B and C residential assets are looking better and better.