ORLANDO-Philip M. Anderson Jr., chief operating officer and executive vice president of locally based CNL Retirement Corp., becomes a director at the National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing and Care Industries.

ATLANTA-Merrill Lynch Mortgage Lending Inc. is providing a $309 million credit facility for the locally based firm that operates franchises including Holiday Inn, Marriott, Hilton and Crowne Plaza.

ORLANDO-The 1,600-acre acquisition from the Partin Ranch would provide a buffer to slow commercial/residential development between Kissimmee, FL and St. Cloud, FL, near Walt Disney World. The land abuts the 1,100 acres purchased by the Seminole Tribe of Florida last year.

ATLANTA-Taking advantage of a depressed industrial real estate market in Henry County, the retailer is renewing a seven-year contract that has an estimated aggregate value of $4.18 million.

ORLANDO- In one of the biggest land deals of the year the Brandon Co. paid China Jade Inc. $1.75 million for 1.5 acres and the former 10,000-sf China Jade Restaurant. Brandon plans a 34,800 retail center on the site after the restaurant is demolished.

ATLANTA-The Atlanta Regional Commission and Regional Business Coalition also cited four other projects for innovative development--Gateway Village, Silver Springs Village, Smyrna Market Village and the Villages at Lafayette Park.

ORLANDO-A $100 million project for Xentury City is in jeopardy after the county commission splits a vote to support Xentury's stipulations tied to the $30 million donation. Ongoing allegations that the Saudi-based parent company of the developer has terrorist ties may also be fueling the hesitation.

ATLANTA-The Oak Brook, IL-based REIT has $1 billion of additional properties under contract with half of them scheduled to close by year end and the balance in 2003.