AUSTIN-The retail sector falls slightly short of its 10-year high, but still 2002 occupancy is nothing to scoff at, says NAI/Commercial Industrial Properties. The pace is steady and the interest is high, with rents on the rise.

SAN ANTONIO-Furniture Row gets a refinancing package, amortized over 15 years, from Seattle-based Safeco Life. NorthMarq Capital says the borrower's longevity was key to the refi for the 67,959-sf, two-building property.

AUSTIN-Four more Laptop Lane airport-located business centers fall to Austin's Wayport. This time, the buy is at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. Last year, Wayport took control of nine centers at metro airports.

AUSTIN-As many as 10 new stores could roll out in the second half of the year under the Whole Foods branding. The Austin-based natural foods grocery chain has bagged a good first-quarter showing for stockholders.

SAN ANTONIO-Cale Hahn, Weitzman's research director in San Antonio, is named this year's chairman for a prestigious 15-member San Antonio panel that represents various sectors of the economy.

AUSTIN-The city of Austin and Hill Country Conservancy have partnered to add to the bank of land removed from the path of construction.

AUSTIN-Bread-and-butter deals are keeping Austin brokers busy in what is described as the start of a return to more normal market conditions. Class B tenants are trading up for nicer buildings, but not necessarily more space.

AUSTIN-Bread-and-butter deals are keeping Austin brokers busy in what is described as the start of a return to more normal market conditions. Class B tenants are trading up for nicer buildings, but not necessarily more space.