150,000-SF Building Next For SkySong

Though no specific groundbreaking date has been set, a spokeswoman with local developers Higgins Development Partners LLC and The Plaza Cos. says construction could begin within the next year on both projects. Architekton of Tempe designed the office building while Phoenix-based Gary Todd & Associates is the architect for the residences.The private developers, in partnership with Arizona State University Foundation and San Antonio, TX-based USAA Real Estate Co., began construction on SkySong in 2006. The university leased the land from the city of Scottsdale, while the Chicago and Glendale, AZ-based developers brought in designers and contractors. Two office buildings totaling 300,000 sf are already completed at Scottsdale and McDowell Roads, with a parking garage under construction.

The public-private partnership came together to embed different functions of Arizona State University throughout the area. For example, the university is building a major presence in downtown Phoenix for its nursing, public policy and journalism schools because the location is close to the government centers, hospitals and the media.In SkySong, Arizona State University has taken space in the first building for its technology, entrepreneurs, computer sciences and biomedical engineering departments. The remainder of the space is being leased by international businesses involved in technology, entrepreneurs and engineering.

"The university is developing relationships with these companies on everything from developing solar panels to computers," the spokeswoman explains. "As some of these companies expand, they can expand into the buildings being built."

Upon completion, SkySong will have 1.2 million sf of office and retail space. Build-out is anticipated to take up to 15 years. In addition, the project will have a hotel. The spokeswoman tells GlobeSt.com that the hotel and conference center would support the companies locating to SkySong. She adds that the developers are in discussions with major hotel chains.

Mark Bauer and Jerry Roberts, senior vice presidents with CB Richard Ellis' Phoenix office have SkySong's office leasing assignment Robert Pearlstein, principal with DeRito Partners of Phoenix is handling retail leasing.