SAN ANTONIO-An Alabama-based medical company will open a high-tech customer service facility near the San Antonio International Airport that, upon completion, will provide space for 400 new workers. The new facility is expected to deliver in November.

DALLAS-Sonic Automotive Inc. is seeking to buy five dealerships in Texas with a 1999 combined revenue of $458 million. The North Carolina-based corporation has bought 14 dealerships since January.

DALLAS-The nation's brisk construction market is pushing the envelope for labor and some material costs, skyrocketing prices in certain metropolitan markets, according to the third-quarter Turner Building Cost Index.

AUSTIN-Trammell Crow is plotting a $40-million speculative industrial park on 68 acres commonly known as the Scarbrough Tract, situated along Interstate 35 and sandwiched between two Dell Computer complexes.

HOUSTON-Buoyed by the continuing strong Houston economy, Weingarten has begun the third phase of its industrial park in the city's southern section.

AUSTIN-Real Estate Development Services is tackling its first Austin project--the first of several Austin-area projects being planned by the firm.

HOUSTON-The CE Ward Constructors construction company has changed its name to J.E. Dunn Construction--Houston. The Kansas City, MO-based Dunn Construction has had a majority stake in the firm for three years.

HOUSTON-The Marq.E, a 365,375-sf entertainment and retail center, has little room left at the inn, signing more than 80% of its space in leases. The project is a joint venture of Orix Real Estate Equities and PLC Commercial.