New Tech Center Planned in Scottsdale

Two local firms were recently named to design and construct the first phase of the new Arizona State University/Scottsdale Center for New Technology and Innovation at the site of the old Los Arcos Mall on McDowell and Scottsdale roads in Scottsdale.

The Phoenix office of DMJM is teaming with Pei, Cobb, Freed & Partners to design the $250 million project. The master developer is a partnership of Peoria, Ariz.-based Plaza Cos. and Higgens Development Partners of Chicago.

Tempe's Sundt Construction was named as the general contractor. Plans call for a late 2005 or early 2006 construction start. Plans call for a multi phase development with 1.2 million sq. ft. to be constructed over the next 10 years.

ASU will occupy approximately 30 percent of the 250,000-sq.-ft. first phase. Other uses call for research and office space, with about 10 percent of the total space devoted to retail uses.

At one time, the site had been planned as the new Coyotes Arena, but has sat vacant for many years.

Schuff Steel Raises the Roof at Cardinals Stadium

Schuff Steel recently teamed with Hunt Construction to lift the heaviest roof ever in North America. In a four day process, the team lifed a 5,500 ton center portion of the new, 70,000-seat Arizona Cardinals Stadium in Glendale.

The retractable roof rests on two giant supertrusses 156 ft. above grade. The roof was raised using a strand-jack lifting system that has the capacity to lift Paris' Eiffel Tower.

Plans call for the $360 million stadium to open time for the 2006 football season.

Firm Wins School Work

Brignall Construction Company has been awarded the $11.2 million Deer Valley Elementary School Number 25 in Peoria, Ariz. for the Deer Valley
Union School District. Brignall Construction Company will oversee the construction of the new 90,330-sq.-ft. elementary school. These facilities will be concrete and exposed masonry construction and will comprise of two buildings, a 67,883-sq.-ft., three-story classroom building and an 18,623-sq.-ft. multi-purpose room. The project is scheduled for substantial completion on Nov. 18, 2005 with students occupying the school in December 2005.

HDA Architects designed the new school. Project consultants include: Structural: Paragon Structural Design; Mechanical: Kraemer Engineering, Electrical: McGrew Engineering; Landscape: McCloskey Peltz; Civil: Hubbard Engineering; Kitchen Consultant: Food Facilities.

Mixed Use Work Planned for Fairmont Princess

Holder Construction has been selected by Wolff & DiNapoli, a California-based developer to serve as the construction manager at-risk for the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Mixed-Use Development.

The 55,000-sq.-ft. Mercer Dental Institute will provide a "state-of-the-art" facility with a "spa-like" environment including pre-function areas, a lounge, a cafe, reception areas, and a 275-seat auditorium.

An additional 45,000-sq.-ft. class A office/retail core and shell building and a 10,000-sq.-ft. restaurant will also be constructed. The project architects are Allen & Phillip for core and shell and Gensler for interiors. The project will break ground in August and is scheduled for completion in September 2006.

Clubhouse in Laughlin Underway

ROEL Construction Co. is progressing on construction of the Laughlin Ranch clubhouse located at 1515 Bullhead Parkway. The 35,000-sq.-ft. clubhouse consists of a grill and dining area, golf shop, salon, fitness center, and spa with an outdoor pool. Completion is scheduled for September 2005. Morgan Neville, executive vice president of Laughlin Ranch LLC, is the representative for the developer, David Lords. Brian O'Keefe of BOK Construction Management is the construction manager. Douglas Fredrikson Architects is the architect.

Massive Development Planned in Pinal County

CMX is providing land planning, survey, and engineering services to the Continental Homes and Dietz Crane divisions of D. R. Horton, in the development of 7,000 acres of land - including potentially 20,000 to 25,000 residential units - between the communities of Casa Grande and Maricopa in Pinal County.

The development is being designed as a stand-alone community that features many recreation and open space areas. The community will be comprised of multiple residential types, including an active adult community, two high schools, and up to six elementary schools.

In addition, there may be two village and commercial centers with golf and significant sports facilities. The project will also encompass a new north-south expressway recently announced by Casa Grande and Pinal County that would connect interstates 8 and 10.

Over the next 12 months, CMX will assist D. R. Horton in its planning and entitlements with Casa Grande and Pinal County. The zoning process is expected to be completed in 2006 with construction beginning as early as 2007.

Company Lands USDA Work

T-P Acoustics, Inc. has been awarded a contract to install 40,000 sq. ft. of acoustical ceilings in the new U.S.D.A. Arid-Land Agricultural Research Center in Maricopa, Ariz. The work is being performed for Core Construction.

Firm Signs 3 New Projects