SAN DIEGO-Veralliance Properties has started a $22.7-million renovation of its Soledad project at 6455 and 6465 Nancy Ridge Dr. in the Sorrento Mesa submarket. The project will convert the 53,326-square-foot office and R&D facility into a LEED-certified project and comes with a commitment from biotech firm Cibus Global to lease 50% of the space.

Veralliance bought the two-building Soledad project, formerly known as Westridge Business Park, in February 2006. The company says that the renovation is designed to create "a high-quality, sustainable campus that will meet the needs of lab, technology and corporate clients." The first of those tenants, Cibus Global, is a privately held San Diego-based biotechnology firm that specializes in producing environmentally friendly crop traits for the agricultural community.

Veralliance principal Daniel Ryan points out that Soledad is the company's third core and shell facility in 2010 to be in review for LEED certification. It is "our most recent endeavor to be created with our Four Pillars Philosophy of livability, responsibility, productivity and artistry,” Ryan added. He points out that Soledad is named after the Spanish word for solitary and features views along the ancient Soledad Canyon.

Cibus Global will relocate from its current location at 4025 Sorrento Valley Blvd. when the renovation at Soledad is complete in July. The company will occupy 22,000 square feet in the project, 15,000 square feet of which is designated for lab uses.

Soledad will feature common amenities for tenants such as a fitness center and locker rooms, coffee station, and multi-purpose room where tenants will be able to play games or reserve space for corporate functions. The property will also include a courtyard with outdoor seating and a bocce ball court. The leasing agent for the space is Greg Bisconti of Cushman and Wakefield.