LOS ANGELES—Office occupants today are "thinking about the opportunity to connect people more effectively," says Lenny Beaudoin, leader of CBRE's global Workplace Strategy practice.

WASHINGTON, DC—The tepid retail sales data has economists questioning whether the Federal Reserve will raise rates repeatedly as 2017 goes on.

SCOTTSDALE, AZ—Joining Healthcare Trust of America is Duke Realty veteran Keith Konkoli, who will oversee the newly renamed HTA – Development business.

CHICAGO—The 20-year industry veteran will oversee a team of 20 acquisitions professionals at LaSalle Investment Management.

AUSTIN, TX— Demi Sterling-Kinney, VP of operations for Aspen Heights Partners, will be overseeing the third-party property management division.

SOLON, OH—The commercial property technology space is maturing in 2017 "with innovation, players, desire and focus from a global perspective," says MRI Software CEO Patrick Ghilani.

LONDON—"Institutional allocations to real estate are dominated by a small group of investors which allocate large amounts to the asset class," says Preqin's Andrew Moylan.

MAHWAH, NJ—More than 1,300 leases on Ascena brands, which include Dress Barn and Ann Taylor, are due to expire or be subject to kick-out clauses over the next 12 months.