WASHINGTON, DC-Privatization appears to be the key for the US Air Force's plans to improve on-base housing and the military faction turns to real estate services firm Jones Lang LaSalle Inc. to provide oversight and implement solutions.

ASHBURN, VA-Howard Hughes Medical Institute's 760,000-sf Janelia Farm Research Campus project gets underway with a groundbreaking ceremony. Janelia Farm will feature residential space for visiting scientists, as well as laboratory and conference space.

RICHMOND, VA-GMAC Commercial Mortgage Corp. takes steps to enhance its lending activities in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern markets with the hiring of industry mover and shaker John Reed as vice president in the company's Richmond loan office.

WASHINGTON, DC-One NoMa Station, a redeveloped 408,000-sf office project that also offers build-to-suit spaces as large as 400,000 sf, is now ready for occupancy.

CUMBERLAND, MD-Improvements are in store at the sprawling Rocky Gap Lodge and Golf Resort courtesy of $4 million in loans issued by the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development.

WASHINGTON, DC-The REIT Improvement Act of 2003 makes its debut in the US House of Representatives. The purpose of the legislation is to institute improvements to existing REIT tax laws.

HARFORD COUNTY, MD-In a $12.8 million transaction, the 317,000-sf Harford Distribution Center gets a new owner. The state-of-the-art industrial property occupies 15 acres of land within the Riverside Business Park.

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA-Plans for the new 176-room Hilton Garden Inn continue to take shape as the project development team taps Crestline Hotels & Resorts Inc. to serve as the hotel's manager. The $20 million hotel is expected to open in November.