Globest Sectors

OAKLAND, CA-The revitalization efforts, which began in mid-2000 between the city of Oakland and Fannie Mae, is designed to help the city, local developers, banks and nonprofits finance the creation or renovation of nearly 450 units of affordable housing in West Oakland.

LONDON-Occupier demand for commercial property is undoubtedly softer. <I>UK Quarterly Market Beat</I>, Healey &amp; Baker's latest review of the UK market, holds mixed news for those looking to property as a bellwether of the wider economy

FOOTHILL RANCH, CA-Although the clothing retailer will close 27 locations over the current fiscal year, it also plans to open around 50 Wet Seal stores, 15 to 20 Arden B. stores and 10 to 15 Zutopia stores.

DALLAS-The Morse Co. is accorded the William C. Jennings Award from the Texas Association of Realtors for a lease enabling Flextronics International to expand and consolidate in North Texas. WorkPlaceUSA wins again for its Mount Vernon project.

NEW ROCHELLE-Signature Bank and Webster Bank report they have expanded their operations into Westchester County and lower Fairfield County respectively.

LOS ANGELES-The publishing house giant Hachette Filipacchi Media has expanded its Los Angeles office across from the Wilshire Courtyard office complex. The company has signed a five-year, $1.6-million agreement for 12,500 sf.

HOLLYWOOD, CA-Under construction for more than three years, the 1.3-msf entertainment and retail space will serve as the new permanent home of the annual Academy Awards ceremony, set for March.

OLMPIA, WA-Port of Olympia Commissioners gave a thumbs up this week to constructing the Port Plaza near Percival Landing. The controversial idea has been bouncing around the community for nearly a decade.