SAN MARCOS, TX-A startup communications company is buying 5.8 acres in the River Ridge Business Park for its central hub. The company, which will service Central Texas, hopes to be off and running by October.

HOUSTON-The Woodlands Operating Co. has begun construction on Waterway Plaza Two, another step forward for the strong office market in the 27,000-acre master planned community. The 143,000-sf structure backs up a 223,000-sf first phase that is 90% leased two months in advance of its delivery.

HOUSTON-A trio of class B buildings in Northchase Business Park is being sold to a Houston-based realty firm, taking its Texas holdings over the 1.1 million-sf mark.

TEMPLE, TX-Nextel Communications prepping to build a 108,000-sf customer support center in the state's southern sector. The $10.6 million facility, tentatively slated to open in 2001, may employ up to 800 over the long term.

DALLAS-Transwestern Commercial Services Dallas is seizing control of one of Dallas' most prized contracts: leasing and property management for the stately 500,000-sf Providence Towers, backed by plans to relocate its corporate offices for the first time in 22 years. The deal will be signed by Friday.

AUSTIN-Caliber Collision Centers, a CA-based operation, is purchasing three Body Tek shops in an ongoing strategy to buy out competitors. The Irvine, CA., company made its move into the city's market just last year.

HOUSTON-Satterfield and Pontikes Construction lands $23.5 million in contracts to expand two high schools for the Goose Creek Independent School District. The combined sf is 135,000.

DALLAS-Viking Capital Group Inc. of Dallas has taken purchase talks to the next level, signing a memorandum of understanding to acquire Liaise Systems II Inc., based in Walnut Creek, CA., in a stock-for-stock exchange. It's anticipated the deal will close in the fourth quarter although a date has not been set.