Mixed-use development emphasizes research, technology and global commerce - Puget Sound Business Journal (Seattle):

llrx-royce.blogspot.com
The first two buildings, totaliny 288,000 square feet of research, development and commercial space and valued atabout $300 have been completed in the past few The project is distinguished by a soaring 125-foott shade structure that anchors the plazaw between the two buildings. At build-out, SkySonbg ­­— formally called the ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center — will include 1.2 million squares feet of commercial space and an assortmen t of urban residences.
But the foremost goal from the start was to creater an office development with aninternational high-tech Even when times were robust withinh the development community, the plan to build SkySong was no easy Ultimately, it took a collection of locao and national firms, along with the Arizona Statr University Foundation and the city of Scottsdale, to pull off the developmentt duties. But once it was off the wouldtenants come? They did. Officed leasing activity appears strongeer at SkySong than at projects in other parts of the with more than a dozen companies from outsidethe U.S. occupyinb space.
Local firms also have signed on to participate in what they believe will bean innovative, internationally infusedf environment. Craig Coppola, principal of , which recentlyt assumed the listing assignmentrfor SkySong, credits ASU for getting the ball rolling. “The connection with ASU has driven a majority of tenantdsto date,” he said. “The schoolk has a great globapl reach, and they’re a huge innovato r and technology engine inNorth America.” Nate director of strategic partnerships at ASU, said that was the plan all Leverage ASU’s global connections to attract international companies, then use that to appeap to local, more conventional firms.
Attracting globak business, however, isn’t that easy. Companies in other countries usuallu have a solid idea about the kinds of cities that hold appeal for them inthe U.S. that’s driven by cultural connections andmedias profile. For instance, Los Angeles, New York and San Francisclo all have vibrant ethnic neighborhoods ofhistorical distinction. They also attract international press. “When you look at that Arizona doesn’t come to mind,” Summert said.
So Summer and his team developed a strategt they hoped would put SkySong onforeign companies’ radar “We told them we’d invesrt resources to help them navigate the challenges of operatinvg in the U.S.,” he said. “It’s a dauntingt challenge for many of them to do businesse inthe U.S. There are many barriera to entry.” Some of the greatesyt barriers involve language and social By working to overcomethoss difficulties, SkySong has been able to attracrt an interesting collection of global One of those is , a Singapore-based compang that focuses on educational test preparatiohn software.
Co-owner Viswanath Parameswaren credits ASU for developing a creative environment that will enhancehis company’s experiencde and reach in the U.S. “Over the last (SkySong) has become an excellenyt test bed for our ideasand products,” he “The ability to mix and share ideas with global entrepreneurs, students and faculty has added to our