The 198,000-sf North Central Plaza I at 12655 N. CentralExpressway in the Park Central submarket is drawing some interestfrom prospective tenants despite the High Five project, which atthe onset of construction had many fleeing the corridor. But, theactivity is far from "robust," says Dennis Barnes, Insignia/ESG'sleasing director in the metroplex. The High Five roadblock iskeeping the goal realistic: 70% to 75% occupancy for the comingyear.

Barnes and Jeri Hadsell, who joined the firm in recent weeks,are tasked with the "challenge." Barnes admittedly has leverage inthat he's held leasing assignments in Park Central for the last 12years. Still, he's looking to lease in a submarket that had 21.6%of its 12.3-million-sf inventory empty at the Q3 close, accordingto the market report of Cushman & Wakefield of Texas Inc.

Barnes tells GlobeSt.com that the former leasing team ofCorporate USA, led by Michael Birgance, closed "four or five"renewals, albeit small ones, in recent months. Another six leasesexpire in 2003. Corporate USA, which held the contract for threeyears, did not return telephone calls by press time.