WASHINGTON, DC-HUD has announced that there is $574 million available in HOPE VI Revitalization and Demolition funds for public housing authorities throughout the US.

LANHAM, MD-Relying on the assistance of Holliday Fenoglio Fowler LP, Advance Realty Group finds itself with $25 million in first mortgage financing on four buildings in the Metro East Corporate Park.

FREDERICK, MD-Qovia Inc., an Internet voice over software concern, chooses a new home in a 22,000-sf building within the I-270 Technology Park. The young company signed a three-year lease on 8,000 sf at 7470 New Technology Way.

WASHINGTON, DC-Ground has been broken on the new $95 million Embassy Suites Hotel, the first such property to be developed in close proximity to the new 2.3 million-sf Washington Convention Center.

RICHMOND, VA-The city played host to the 13th annual VCU Real Estate Trends conference, providing a platform for Real Estate Research Corp. CEO Kenneth P. Riggs Jr. to present a positive forecast for the industry.

MCLEAN, VA-Freddie Mac gets together with WaMu in a big financial swap. Freddie Mac hands over participation certificates in exchange for a $6 billion WaMu multifamily mortgage portfolio.

SUFFOLK, VA-Lockheed Martin settles on the City of Suffolk to house its new 50,000-sf integrated solutions center. The facility, which is expected to cost $30 million, will sit within the 400-acre Bridgeway Commerce Park.

ANNANDALE, VA-Bank of America claims the very top floor--all 20,000 sf--of the recently completed 200,000-sf Heritage Center IV office property. The 10-story class A building leases space for $23.50 to $28.50.