MANASSAS, VA-The second phase of the 145,000-sf Euclid Business Center gets under way as developer Buchanan Partners breaks ground on a 59,000-sf, two-building development. Successful leasing for Phase I of the 12-acre compound inspired Buchanan to move forward on the second segment.

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD-Spurred on by the success of its neighboring 1.2-million sf National Business Park, developer Corporate Office Properties Trust coughs up $21 million for the initial purchase phase of a 108-acre property to house its 1.3 million sf Cedar Knolls office park.

FREDERICKSBURG, VA-New York's Ackman-Ziff Real Estate Group navigates some complex waters on behalf of developers the Silver Cos. and The Rappaport Cos. in an $85-million financing deal.

WASHINGTON, DC-The District wins out over the nearby suburbs in Northern Virginia in the bid to house the offices of the newly created Department of Homeland Security. Employees of the new cabinet will make their home in a four-story building within the Naval Security Station complex in the city's northwest area.

ST. CHARLES, MD-American Community Properties Trust reveals news of an $8.4 million refinancing deal for a 304-unit apartment property in San Juan, Puerto Rico. ACPT plans to use the funds from the non-recourse mortgage to pay off a $2.5-million bank debt.

ARLINGTON, VA-Defense contractor Photon Research Associates signs on for 19,000 sf of space in the office building at 1616 N. Fort Myer Dr. Photon committed to a 10-year lease on the building's 10th floor, formerly occupied by PriceWaterhouseCoopers.

BALTIMORE, MD-Crown Central Petroleum Corp. puts its portfolio of 346 gas stations and convenience stores up for sale. The retail properties are spread out in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern areas of the country.

HERNDON, VA-The four-structure, 120,000-sf Sunset Business Park becomes the property of Atlantic Realty Cos. as seller Sunset Venture and Travel.com LC disposes of the complex in exchange for $14.5 million. New owner Atlantic is planning a $15-million renovation of the business park.