CHICAGO—The investor signs its third Chicago deal, this time on the upscale Northwest side.

CHICAGO-An improving economy has brightened the outlook for the hospitality industry just in time for the summer season, with the auto industry giving a special boost to the Midwest.

DES PLAINES, IL—The new venture will help commercial real estate users increase efficiency, especially in deregulated energy markets like Illinois.

ST. LOUIS—The new lab at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory will conduct research into building systems.

CHICAGO—This month's MB Real Estate Index shows that direct vacancy rates in the CBD's newest buildings has fallen to 10%, but overall direct vacancy in the CBD was stagnant.

OAK BROOK, IL—The company has recently purchased several high-quality, high traffic suburban locations with solid leases.

IRVINE, CA—The amount of available housing has plunged, but Midwestern homebuyers have the best chance of picking up cheap, bank-owned homes.

BISMARCK, ND—The discovery of huge energy reserves in North Dakota, and the state's booming population, has begun turning investors' heads.