"It's a pretty big project and it is a big deal to us because it's the original job that brought us to the Phoenix area 25 years ago," Clay Wells, business development manager with the Weitz Co. tells GlobeSt.com. "We think this project typifies our long-term relationship with our clients that Weitz is so proud of."

Wells said Weitz beat out three other bidders primarily because it is the largest builder of senior housing facilities in the US. The builder's Southwest Division has already started some demolition and expansion work on the 2645 E. Southern Ave. project, but by the time it is completed in November 2005 the two-phase expansion will give Friendship Village 404,414 sf of new space.

The project's first phase will create 158,790 sf for a health-care center, assisted living, in-patient hospice and expanded employee areas. The project's second phase will include a 245,624-sf expansion to the existing independent living and assisted living apartments, creating 84 independent and 26 assisted living residences. It will also include a 5,266-sf auditorium, 43,063-sf dining area, cafe, lobby and administration area, and a 3,375-sf wellness center along with 42,970 sf of underground parking. OWP & P of Phoenix designed the project for owner Tempe Life Care Village Inc.