Construction underway for major technology campus in Tempe
Jun 11, 2018, 4:10 AM | Updated: Jun 21, 2018, 2:17 pm
(Screenshot)
(Screenshot)
PHOENIX — Construction has started in Tempe on a major tech space project called I.D.E.A., or Innovation, Discovery, Education and Arts.
City of Tempe Economic Development Program Manager Maria Laughner said the project covers 18 acres and more than 1 million square feet for biotech and technology companies that want to set up shop in Tempe.
“We’re looking to build 1.2 million square feet of Class A office, research and development space to promote innovation and discoveries,” Laughner said.
The I.D.E.A. project will house clean industrial jobs, according to Laughner.
“It’s a fabulous opportunity to bring more high wage jobs to Tempe and to build on the relationship with ASU,” Laughner said.
Elected Tempe officials praised the future high tech campus.
“[The development] will bring new jobs, new discoveries, new business, new art space and new revenue to the City of Tempe,” Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell said.
The I.D.E.A. campus sits two miles from Arizona State including the Tempe school’s Biodesign Institute, Fulton School of Engineering and the School of Earth and Space Exploration.
Tempe officials believe the high tech development will bring with it new jobs as companies relocate to the I.D.E.A. campus.
The first phase of I.D.E.A. opens in early 2020.
