MIAMI-Schapiro Associates has formed an alliance with Houston-based PGAL, an architecture and engineering firm. The two plan to expand their markets by pursuing design commissions in the Southeast, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

MIAMI-However, the market did show signs that it was improving, which included strong leasing activity and positive net absorption, according to Cushman & Wakefield's fourth-quarter office report for Miami-Dade County.

MIAMI-Formerly a vice president for Trammell Crow Co., Cary Fronstin's duties include 200 S.E. 1st St., a 140,000-sf office building; Quiet Waters Business Park, a 350,000-sf, class A industrial park; as well as expanding the company's property owner leasing and property management business in South Florida.

BRADENTON, FL-Klingbeil Capital Management paid approximately $42,307 per unit to Tarragon Realty Investors Inc. for the 10-building complex near Sarasota. The property was 90% occupied at the closing of the sale.

BRADENTON, FL-Klingbeil Capital Management paid approximately $42,307 per unit to Tarragon Realty Investors Inc. for the 10-building complex near Sarasota. The property was 90% occupied at the closing of the sale.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL-The two acquired Broward Financial Centre Downtown for $60.1 million. The class A property contains 325,000 sf on 24 stories. Investcorp owns 70% of the joint venture, while Koger owns 30%.

MIAMI-The Canyon-Johnson Urban Fund invested in Downtown Dadeland, a $140-million mixed-use "village" under construction here. The project will include 416 condos and 125,000 sf of retail space. The project's developer is locally based Gulfside Development Co. Inc.

BONITA SPRINGS, FL-The builder had orders up to a single-quarter record $456.5 million, compared with $180.9 million the same quarter in 2002.