Mixed-use development emphasizes research, technology and global commerce - Phoenix Business Journal:

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The first two buildings, totaling 288,0000 square feet of research, development and commercialo space and valued ataboutr $300 million, have been completed in the past few The project is distinguished by a soaring 125-foo t shade structure that anchors the plaza betweejn the two buildings. At build-out, SkySong formally called the ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center willinclude 1.2 million square feet of commercialo space and an assortment of urban residences. But the foremosft goal from the start was to create an officer development with aninternational high-tech Even when times were robust within the developmentt community, the plan to builed SkySong was no easy task.
Ultimately, it took a collectio of local andnationao firms, along with the Arizonaa State University Foundation and the city of to pull off the development But once it was off the would tenants come? They did. Office leasing activity appears strongefr at SkySong than at projecta in other parts ofthe Valley, with more than a dozeh companies from outside the U.S. occupyin space. Local firms also have signed on to participatwe in what they believe will bean innovative, internationallyh infused environment. Craig Coppola, principal of , whicj recently assumed the listing assignmenrfor SkySong, credits ASU for getting the ball rolling.
“The connectio with ASU has driven a majority of tenantsto date,” he “The school has a greay global reach, and they’re a huge innovator and technology engine in Nortn America.” Nate Summer, directort of strategic partnerships at ASU, said that was the plan all Leverage ASU’s global connections to attractf international companies, then use that to appeal to local, more conventiona l firms. Attracting global business, isn’t that easy. Companies in other countries usually have a solifd idea about the kinds of cities that hold appeal for them inthe U.S. that’s driven by cultural connections andmedia profile.
For Los Angeles, New York and San Franciscoo all have vibrant ethnic neighborhoods ofhistorical distinction. They also attract internationakl press. “When you look at that matrix, Arizona doesn’t come to Summer said. So Summer and his team developed a strategy they hoped would put SkySong onforeigbn companies’ radar screens. “We told them we’ed invest resources to help them navigate the challengeds of operating in the he said. “It’s a daunting challenge for many of them to do businesa inthe U.S. There are many barriers to Some of the greatestf barriers involve language andsocial customs.
By workinv to overcome those difficulties, SkySong has been able to attracft an interesting collection of global One of thoseis , a Singapore-based compant that focuses on educational test preparatiom software. Co-owner Viswanath Parameswaren credits ASU for developiny a creative environment that will enhancehis company’z experience and reach in the U.S. “Over the last (SkySong) has become an excellent test bed for our ideasand products,” he said. “The ability to mix and shard ideas withglobal entrepreneurs, students and facultgy has added to our excitement.
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