Aug. 31, 2009
Former Motorola site offers new opportunities
A recent announcement to develop the south Chandler Motorola site into a 152-acre, master-planned Science and Technology Park launches a new era of development for the Price Corridor. Capital Commercial Investments, Inc. (CCI) announced the purchase from Motorola in earlier this summer, cementing the corridor as a “super technology” region. This is exciting news for Chandler’s business community.
Home to notable employers in key industries such as Aerospace, Life Sciences, High Technology R&D/Manufacturing and Advanced Business Services, the Price Corridor is positioned to capitalize on the next generation of high-end, sustainable employment opportunities.
Karl James, managing director of CCI recently said that they “are exploring the creation of a world-class destination for advances in science and technology. The Price Corridor and the City of Chandler are a natural fit for the types of companies, universities and organizations that we could attract.”
That is a great vision as the Price Corridor is set to attract even more business as the economy recovers. And despite the recession, recent successes include a $3 billion dollar expansion by Intel, and the Orbital Sciences expansion that brings 330 new jobs and a long-term commitment to Chandler.
Price Corridor is credited for developing the high-tech manufacturing industry across the state. Air Products’ investment in an ultra-pure nitrogen pipeline through the Corridor has been key to the location and continued expansion of Intel. Continued investment by the City of Chandler and others in infrastructure, including high capacity wet utilities, power and telecom and industrial power infrastructure, make the Price Corridor competitive on an international plain.
With that in mind, we firmly believe we have created the premier employment center of the Valley, if not the Southwest, as it meets the criteria of innovative companies and their employees with an educated, creative workforce of more than 2 million people within a 30-minute drive. Price Corridor also offers the outstanding schools, amenities and lifestyle choices the creative class demands. The high level income of Corridor residents – eight intersections within the Corridor boast six-figure incomes – makes it attractive to high-end restaurants and retailers.
And with recent legislation to help us attract solar manufacturing companies, we are even more excited for the corridor. Based on Arizona’s manufacturing history, Chandler is in a strong position to lead the solar manufacturing industry here in the state – an opportunity not seen since the on-set of the semiconductor industry, due to a well designed, industrial infrastructure that includes a sophisticated water management system, ready access to a nitrogen line and redundant power. Add an inventory of specialized buildings, a skilled workforce and our solid reputation among cutting-edge, high-tech companies.
I am excited about the rebirth of the Motorola site and the continued success for this area of Chandler and its positive effects on the City, its residents and the local business community. |