NEW YORK CITY-The construction financing is designed for shopping center projects in the predevelopment stage. The firm now has four such ventures underway with about 1.2 million sf of gross leaseable space.

GREATER BOSTON-The drop in the Federal interest rate will have a positive impact on the commercial real estate market here by making it easier to finance projects and by stabilizing the economy, according to local industry experts.

MENOMONEE FALLS, WS-The retailer plans to open more stores in its existing Midwest and Mid-Atlantic markets, plus enter new territory in Atlanta, Hartford/New Haven, CT and Arkansas.

CHICAGO-A $14.1-million mortgage allowed a joint venture to buy a 16-story office building at Wacker Drive and Dearborn Street, directly south of the Chicago River. They inherit a building 96% occupied.