Office

CHICAGO-Tenants of 188 W. Randolph St. say the closing was "overkill," but city officials say their mandated precautions may save a life while they try to find a solution to falling terra cotta from the 46-story building.

COLUMBIA, MD-First Service Networks Inc. signed leases for office space with Corporate Office Properties Trust and plans to move its corporate headquarters from Stamford CT to Annapolis Junction, MD.

DALLAS-Texas has all the right genes for weathering a nationwide recession, say regional executives. Job growth is slowing somewhat statewide, but it's still far ahead of the rest of the Union. The state's diversification is the key to continued growth.

LOS ANGELES-Developer JMB Realty Corp. begins long-awaited Westside project after signing $500-million lease with entertainment conglomerate MGM. Brokers tell GlobeSt.com another big lease deal is in the works that could guarantee more than 80% of 34-story tower will be rented when in opens in 2003.

TRENTON-A plan to curb sprawl updates the 1992 document, shifting the focus to using incentives to encourage developers to build in cities and suburbs. The spotlight now shifts to the governor and legislature.

HYATTSVILLE, MD-The marketing company plans to bring 400 jobs to Prince George's County to staff its high-tech call center. Prince George's Metro Center plans to expand one building to meet company's needs.

LOS ANGELES-Brokers tell GlobeSt.com that group advised by J.P. Morgan Chase is offering more than $240 million for the landmark Santa Monica office complex. Owner confirms interest from several parties, but wants to keep options open.

AUSTIN-Buda takes the reins to nearly 5,500 acres as a result of an Austin decision. The state capital's stringent ties that bind aren't prevalent in the suburb, meaning that the acreage is ripe for development.