WESTWOOD, MA-Catalano Bros. takes 42,000 SF of warehouse space at 245 University Ave. for its distribution of gypsum. The company says it chose this location for its location at the intersection of Routes 1, 93, 95 and 128, its height, and access to CSX Rail.

BOSTON-Wellsford/Whitehall Group LLC, a joint venture of Wellsford Real Properties Inc., the Whitehall funds and the Saraceno family agrees to redeem the Saraceno family's 7.45% equity interest in the venture in consideration for the transfer of six area properties in the venture's portfolio.

CHELMSFORD, MA-Lexington Corporate Properties Trust, a New York-based REIT, purchases a 100,000-sf building for $12 million. The deal is part of a three-property acquisition by Lexington. The other two properties are located in San Antonio, TX.

ANDOVER, MA-Brown & Caldwell leases 7,316 sf at One Corporate Dr., a 66,000-sf building owned by Eisai Research Institute of Boston Inc. With this transaction the building is 100% leased and home to five tenants.

BOSTON-A mid-year report demonstrates that a slightly positive absorption rate along with an improved general business sentiment are indications that the city's office market is beginning to show long-awaited signs of stability.

NEWTON, MA-HRPT Properties Trust prices an underwritten public offering of $400 million a few hours after the locally based real estate investment trust had announced that it was commencing an offering of $250 million. The company says it increased the offering due to investor interest.

NORWOOD, MA-HallKeen of Norwood and Baran Cos. of Boston form HallKeen Baran Senior Services, a locally headquartered new venture that will focus on the ownership and management of assisted-living communities throughout New England.

BEVERLY, MA-Cummings Properties' bid to build a 140-room within walking distance of its two-million-sf Cummings Center moves closer to fruition. The city council approves a zoning change that will allow a six-story hotel to be built on the 80-acre property.