AUSTIN-Col. Bill Welch trades in his desk at Colliers Oxford Commercial to concentrate on his role with the US Air Force and other business interests. Welch has been juggling multiple roles since his call up shortly after Sept. 11.

AUSTIN-The US Fish & Wildlife Service seeks to protect the Georgetown salamander while elected officials and developers seek assurance that a threatened or endangered designation evolves from credible research.

SAN ANTONIO-A Transwestern team sizes up the market as it looks for a tenant who'd like its name on the Tesoro building, one of two in the 234,342-sf Petroleum Towers complex. The north central leasing pact also entails North Star Plaza.

AUSTIN-Motorists will find it easier going to access the 115,000-sf Tech Ridge Phase I. The artery's opening enables access from the Interstate 35 frontage road. A $1.5-million bridge to further help access will be done in May.

NEW BRAUNFELS, TX-A 30,000-sf, one-stop shop for workforce development snags a nice check from the Economic Development Administration while project leaders scout for another $2.75 million for the Central Texas Technology Center.

AUSTIN-The forces are in place to make Austin one of the most balanced major retail markets in the US, reports Weitzman Group/Cencor Realty Services. Deliveries have dipped, rents stabilized and occupancy remains relatively constant.

AUSTIN-Dana Friis-Hansen steps into the lead role for the Austin Museum of Art after serving for some time as interim executive director. With the job comes the task of pushing a 145,000-sf project that has hit roadblocks with the down economy.

SAN ANTONIO-The San Antonio industrial market racked up a positive absorption of 131,893 sf in 2001 despite a 19.3% vacancy, up 3.7% from a year ago. The coming to market of KellyUSA and 1.2 million sf of new space account for the spike.