CHARLOTTE-Smaller stores are showing a 7% vacancy level, according to Karnes Research Co., a locally-based industry tracker. Some big box-retailers are leasing the empty properties just to keep a competitor from setting up shop, brokers say.

BETHESDA, MD-Hines, an international real estate firm, is slated to pay about $120 million for two Washington-area office buildings. The company plans to purchase Capital Gateway II and IV, twin five-story 574,000 sf office buildings.

SAN JOSE-A marketing consultant hired by city officials is recommending San Jose build a "distinct, upscale, high-tech conference center," and suggests two potential sources of funding for the 300,000-sf project.

LANSING, MI-After arranging millions of square feet of new and expanding development in