MOUNT CRAWFORD, VA-National discount retailer Wal-Mart Stores Inc. decides it will help service its various chains in the Mid-Atlantic area by locating a new 1.2-million-sf regional distribution center in Rockingham County. The $55-million development is expected to become operational in the spring of 2005.

HYATTSVILLE, MD-Development of University Town Center takes another step forward with the recent ribbon-cutting for Metro Four, one of the mixed-use project's office buildings, which will soon house a division of the CDC.

ANNAPOLIS, MD-History and art buffs may yet get a chance to peruse much larger displays of artifacts and documents as the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court gives its permission for the state to move ahead with a planned $5.5 million, 12,000-sf addition.

MCLEAN, VA-Capital Automotive REIT completes a financial transaction that will allow the company to pay down millions of dollars in credit facilities and mortgage debt. The issuing of $228 million in triple net-lease mortgages are being secured by 50 automotive sales properties.

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA-A hotel project conceived of in the '90s will finally come to fruition as developers prepare to begin construction on the 300-room Hilton Resort Hotel and Conference Center. The $42 million beachfront destination is expected to open in 2005.

BALTIMORE-Oakwood Worldwide gives its clients a new option in the Inner Harbor with the recent debut of Oakwood Corporate Housing suites within the recently developed Munsey and the Pierside @ Harborview apartment communities. Oakwood is leasing the spaces from the buildings' owners.

WASHINGTON, DC-An international law firm becomes the first to grab space in the 220,000-sf Bowen Building, which is currently being redeveloped by a joint venture. Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP will have 70,000 sf among several floors of the 12-story edifice.

WASHINGTON, DC-Sour economy; what sour economy? The Washington, DC office market continues to show little evidence of being a victim of the country's sagging economic climate, and investors such as Grerenwich, CT's Broadway Real Estate Partners are taking notice. Office vacancy rates remain at an average low of 5%.