CHICAGO-Home loan applications increased last week as the loan rates of 15-year and 30-year fixed-rate drop.

JACKSONVILLE, FL-Tire Kingdom will occupy about 11,000 square feet of the 30,000 square feet that was vacated by The Fresh Market in Ponte Vedra Beach.

KANSAS CITY, MO-Developer of the West Edge mixed-use project in Kansas City, Trilogy Development Co. LLC has appealed to the federal bankruptcy court to invalidate JE Dunn's lien on the West Edge project.

TOKYO-Blackstone is planning to make its investment debut in Japan, which will help develop the recession-hit domestic realty market in Japan.

WASHINGTON DC-The Mortgage Bankers Association has hired Kathy Marquardt for the post of associate vice president of council coordinator and commercial servicing.

ST. ANN, MO-City officials have extended the deadline for developer G.J. Grewe to close on the Northwest Plaza after talks with Wells Fargo.

CHICAGO-Tishman Realty & Construction Co. has decided to sell the Westin Chicago River North at 320 N. Dearborn St. for about $165 million.

NEW YORK CITY-The commercial real estate securities market is expected to witness an increase in activity in the coming weeks.