PORTLAND-The Art Institute of Portland expands its space for the third time, while new tenant PPM Energy Inc. is expected to occupy in August in the 270,000-sf mixed-use development built on the site of the former Blitz-Weinhard fermentation and packaging plant.

ROCKVILLE, MD-The Institute for Genomic Research joins The Institute for Biological Energy Alternatives and The Center for the Advancement of Genomics to lease space for a new 40,000-sf DNA sequencing facility. The organizations are choosing between two undisclosed buildings in Rockville.

HOUSTON-TradeSpark moves into 18,748 sf at 1301 Fannin, a class A CBD property that's now 90% occupied. The tenant is an energy brokerage consortium with Cantor Fitzgerald as a lead player. In light of 9/11, it was decided to expand locally.

PORTLAND-Organic grocer Whole Foods Market Wednesday morning became the first business in the Brewery Blocks to open its doors. The five-block redevelopment by Gerding Edlen Development is adding 1.7 million sf of office and retail space on the northwestern edge of Downtown Portland.