CHICAGO-The financial market takes additional space at 440 S. LaSalle St. under terms of a 13-year lease with building owner Travelers Insurance Co. in the third-largest lease deal of 2001 in this market.

ORANGE COUNTY, CA-Michael D. McKee, the development giant's current vice-chair, is elevated to newly created position of COO by owner Donald Bren. Move may ensure orderly transition when Bren eventually retires.

VANCOUVER, WA-Privately held Papa Murphy's, the nation's seventh-largest pizza chain and the largest take-and-bake operation in the country, has been chosen as the first-ever chain of the year by "Pizza Today" magazine.

LOS ANGELES-Developer of the ambitious, 1,087-acre Westside project signs up several builders to construct more than $500 million worth of apartments, condos and single-family houses. First commercial development also is under way.