HOUSTON-It's not every big box retailer that can say its land has been bought from the stars. Costco and Great Indoors have sealed a 26-acre purchase from a multiple investor partnership that includes Johnny Carson and Neil Simon.

HOUSTON-A professional employer agency eyes the potential in the region's job market, where companies have been grousing about a tight supply of workers. EPIX has selected Houston for its 16th branch office

HOUSTON-Add the flavor of Chicago to a plate of New American cuisine and you've stumbled onto St. Pete's Dancing Marlin, downtown Houston's latest eatery. Dallas' Deep Elum culinary hit is prepping for a Nov. 14 opening at 300 Main St.

HOUSTON-A $175-million basketball arena has rebounded from an Election 1999 defeat. In this year's final count, 65% of the area's voters supported the city's third sports arena in recent years.

HOUSTON-A trio of power players in the energy business has aligned to build a $200-million chemical plant in Port Arthur. Construction will begin in 2001, pending regulatory permit approvals.

HOUSTON-A start-up high-tech operation extends a welcome to Houston newcomers, launching a relocation and home services guide on the Internet. The guides provide data about the west, northwest, central and Clear Lake corridors.

HOUSTON-Experience and reputation have snagged a $45-million contract to design an expansion and renovation for the M.D. Anderson Library at the University of Houston. Construction will get under way in late 2001.

HOUSTON-A New York-based children's and ladies' apparel retailer is expanding its Texas operations. Rainbow Apparel has signed 7,320-sf for a new store at Huntington Village.