WASHINGTON, DC-Preferred Real Estate Investments plans to buy and renovate a vacant 480,000-sf office building overlooking the Anacostia River in Washington, DC, taking advantage of plans to redevelop this dilapidated industrial waterfront.

PHOENIX--Just weeks before its scheduled to open, the Collier Center, a $500-million office, hotel and retail project in the heart of downtown, has landed another major tenant, one of the state's up and coming law firms.

RICHMOND, CA-Essex Property Trust Inc. has purchased 26.5 acres in the Hilltop neighborhood for $10.3 million. The Palo Alto-based REIT says it will immediately begin construction of 504 apartments units.

MCLEAN, VA-Aether Systems has signed a 10-year lease for 157,826 sf at Greensboro Corporate Center I at 8401 Greensboro Drive.