RALEIGH, NC-The board of directors of the locally based company stands behind Highwoods Properties strategic management plan.

BRADENTON, FL-Through a joint venture, American Retirement Corp. acquires the Freedom Village of Bradenton. It will manage the independent living apartments and lease the assisted living and skilled nursing facilities from the joint venture.

WASHINGTON, DC-The DC area shows stronger than average growth in office and multifamily, according to the National Association of Realtors' Commercial Real Estate Outlook. Overall, fundamentals are improving with tightening vacancies, according to the report.