SkySong: Mixed-Use Development Emphasizes Research, Technology Aand Global Commerce

After nearly 20 years of speculation about what would become of the aging Los Arcos shopping center in Scottsdale, the answer has become clear. SkySong, a mixed-use development with emphasis on research, technology and global commerce, has risen at the 37-acre site at McDowell and Scottsdale roads.

The first two buildings, totaling 288,000 square feet of research, development and commercial space and valued at about $300 million, have been completed in the past few weeks. The project is distinguished by a soaring 125-foot shade structure that anchors the plaza between the two buildings. At build-out, SkySong ­­— formally called the ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center — will include 1.2 million square feet of commercial space and an assortment of urban residences.

But the foremost goal from the start was to create an office development with an international high-tech cachet. Even when times were robust within the development community, the plan to build SkySong was no easy task.

Ultimately, it took a collection of local and national firms, along with the Arizona State University Foundation and the city of Scottsdale, to pull off the development duties. Office leasing activity appears stronger at SkySong than at projects in other parts of the Valley, with more than a dozen companies from outside the U.S. occupying space. Local firms also have signed on to participate in what they believe will be an innovative, internationally infused environment.

Some of the greatest barriers involve language and social customs. By working to overcome those difficulties, SkySong has been able to attract an interesting collection of global firms.

One of those is Logical Steps, a Singapore-based company that focuses on educational test preparation software. Co-owner Viswanath Parameswaren credits ASU for developing a creative environment that will enhance his company’s experience and reach in the U.S.