WASHINGTON, DC-Ground breaks on the 41,000-seat baseball stadium for the Washington Nationals. The $611-million project is on schedule to reach completion in 2008.

WASHINGTON, DC-Mayor Anthony A. Williams presents the District Council with legislation for the approval of the issuing of $50 million in bonds. They will go toward constructing a $180-million central library at the former convention center site.

LEESBURG, VA-Inova Health System is planning a new research center that could be as large as 700,000 sf. The facility will be dedicated to the study of the future of medical sciences, education and technology.

BETHESDA, MD-MeriStar Hospitality Corp. closes its merger with Alcor Acquisition. Alcor is an affiliate of the New York City-based private investment and advisory firm the Blackstone Group. The value of the merger is approximately $2.6 billion.

BETHESDA, MD-MeriStar Hospitality Corp. closes its merger with Alcor Acquisition. Alcor is an affiliate of the New York City-based private investment and advisory firm the Blackstone Group. The value of the merger is approximately $2.6 billion.

CROFTON, MD-The Greater Crofton Council votes against Wal-Mart's plans to develop a 143,000-sf store here.

CROFTON, MD-The Greater Crofton Council votes against Wal-Mart's plans to develop a 143,000-sf store here.

BALTIMORE-Morgan State University expands, as construction wraps up on a new 135,000-sf student center and a 185,000-sf parking structure. The project cost $34 million to complete.