SkySong breaks ground

Developers have broken ground on the SkySong Arizona State University Scottsdale Innovation Center.

The center, a partnership between the City of Scottsdale and the ASU Foundation, is an effort to revitalize the former site of the Los Arcos Mall by creating a research center with office space for high-tech firms.

SkySong will sit on a 1.2 million square foot area at the corner of Scottsdale and McDowell roads. It takes its name from a sail-like shade structure that will cover a nearby intersection.

The first phase, which Scottsdale officials approved in December, will include 300,000 square feet of office space. It is scheduled to be completed in spring 2007.

Two companies, eFunds and Wildfire Broadband, are the first private companies to sign up for space in SkySong.

ASU plans to move its entrepreneurial support programs into the facility as well. These programs include: Technopolis, an entrepreneurial training and networking program; Arizona Technology Enterprises, ASU's technology commercialization arm; and Edson Student Entrepreneur Initiative, a preparation program for student entrepreneurs.

Rob Melnick, ASU's associate vice president for economic affairs, told the Arizona Republic that the university is also considering moving some engineering research programs into SkySong.

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For more information:

"SkySong ASU Innovation Center Breaks Ground in Scottsdale," ASU Foundation, 01/20/2006

"1st step for SkySong signals innovative era," Arizona Republic, 01/20/2006