GLENDALE, AZ-The dawning of a new pact between Phoenix Coyotes' owner Steve Ellman and Glendale doesn't alter the construction strategy for the 17,500-seat arena. The $180-million backing nips financing obstacles, but that's all, says Ellman's senior VP.

SCOTTSDALE, AZ-Maverick Holdings of Scottsdale has closed a $2-million deal for a 10,150-sf office building in the city's north submarket. The 90%-occupied structure has brought better than $190 per sf for two Tempe-based investors.

MESA, AZ-A Colorado-based partnership realizes $12.9 million in the sale of the 336-unit Epernay Apartments in Mesa. Apartment complexes are hot properties these days in the Valley, with the 19-year-old project bringing in $38,392 per unit.

PHOENIX-The 182-unit Eucalyptus Village in the city's northwest corridor has baited a $5.15-million sale between private investors from California. Buyer Terrance Barry is planning to rename the complex, located in one of the area's primary industrial sectors.

PHOENIX-W.L. Gore & Associates, the patent holder for Gore-Tex, continues it Arizona disposition, selling a 54,900-sf industrial holding in Pointe at South Mountain Business Park. Modern Industries' $4-million buy includes about five acres of raw land.

PHOENIX-Opus West plans a September closing on 10 acres, with an equally sized, abutting parcel under contract to seed a 250,000-sf office project. Opus Cotton Center should break ground in October and deliver 118,000 sf in the first phase by May 2002.

PHOENIX-It's going to be a slow year, says a Grubb & Ellis VP in analyzing second-quarter results for the office sector. Vacancy is riding at 15.2%. Factor in sublease space and it's closer to 18%. But, he predicts, it's not permanent.

GLENDALE, AZ-Vestar Development is planning a September closing on 53 acres that will open the door to a fall ground-breaking on a 524,000-sf retail project. Agua Fria Towne Center's first phase will bring a 204,000-SF Super Wal-Mart and 60,000 of shop space and pad sites.