BELLEVUE, WA-The sale to Schnitzer Northwest of Kirkland removes the last remaining obstacle to Schnitzer Development Corp.'s $300-million, 1.5-million sf multi-use development planned for the five-acre site.

HOUSTON-The Houston Ship Channel will be widened, even if the Port of Houston Authority has to impose its power of eminent domain to do so. The authority needs 577 acres from three property owners to carry out its expansion plans.

HOUSTON-A diverse mix of real estate buys highlights this week's transactions in the region. One purchase will open doors for an 82-room motel along Will Clayton Parkway while a League City land buy is the site for a Walgreen's.

HOUSTON-The Houston Hispanic Forum has plans for a 1925 historic structure that once housed the Houston Light Guard. City council is considering a 30-year, $1 lease so the building can be put to good use.

HOUSTON-Parsons Construction Services is having a winning season, with its Exxon Mobil Syngas complex taking another top honor for project excellence. The National Associated Builders and Contractors has followed the lead of its Houston chapter in handing out kudos.

HOUSTON-Eleven leases, totaling 251,997 sf, account for a weeklong leasing frenzy in the year-end race for Houston space. Two Crescent tenants renew and expand their spots at 5 Greenway Plaza and Four Houston Center.

HOUSTON-Crescent City Beignets, a local coffee house operator, has signed a franchise agreement that will put at least 31 stores on line in the next five years. A Chicago-based restaurateur plans to open stores in seven states.

HOUSTON-Kaiser Aluminum is in the midst of rebuilding and upgrading a Louisiana facility that sustained extensive damage in a 1999 explosion. Reconstruction costs are setting the Houston-based corporation back $275 million.