London-based AMEC Earth & Environmental Inc. will move from 3232 W. Virginia in Phoenix, where it has been located for more than 16 years, into the 1405 W. Auto Dr. property in November under a deal with building owner, the Chamberlain Family Trust of Phoenix. Brad Christensen with AMEC tells GlobeSt.com that the move was prompted by the company's rapid expansion and the need for a higher profile building that evokes the firm's image.

"We've been looking to move for quite some time because we've outgrown the area here in West Phoenix, both in terms of what's around us and in terms of space," Christensen explains. "We're a growing company so we looked to an area that was rapidly growing, had amenities and was easily accessible. We found all of those things in this one location. It fit our needs perfectly."

The firm, which conducts environmental, geotechnical, water resources, materials-testing and facilities-management services for businesses and government agencies, will locate administrative offices and laboratories in the building. Christensen says the two-story building, located near Priest Drive and Elliot Road, will provide the firm with an upscale image and the extra space needed to add new employees.

Originally built by Sunstate Builders for Travelbridge, a travel firm, the structure was never occupied because of cutbacks by its former tenant following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, DC. The lease negotiations for the tenant were handled by Rob Stephens of Cushman & Wakefield of Arizona Inc. Jerry Marreel of Phoenix-based Lee & Associates Arizona represented the building owner in the transaction.