Hedrick: One interesting recent development: We're seeing a lot of interest in Santa Clara from innovative Chinese companies looking to open US headquarters in Silicon Valley. Not as surprising is the broad interest we're seeing from technology and other industry-leading companies, as well as retailers and restaurants. We're thrilled to have renowned restaurants such as Fleming's, Il Fornaio and Puesto opening soon and are encouraged to see how our customers and prospects are using our signature amenities such as The Commons, an open-air gathering place featuring an outdoor living room with complimentary Wi-Fi and KINETIC, which blends state-of-the-art fitness with wellness services.

GlobeSt.com: What space is still to be filled?

Hedrick: Currently, three buildings are complete and five are under construction. Ericsson occupies two of the completed buildings, AMD will move next year into one that's under construction and CIG has leased part of another building that's also under construction. The new 220,000-square-foot buildings, which will feature sleek, modern architecture, floor-to-ceiling glass for superior natural light and efficient floor plans for maximum flexibility, will be completed between the end of this year and the middle of 2017.

GlobeSt.com: Have you seen examples of this kind of project spring up in other areas, using Santa Clara Square as an inspiration?

Hedrick: The uniqueness of Santa Clara Square—a large-scale, master-planned, mixed-use community—and the influence it has had throughout Silicon Valley in putting office, retail and dining, and apartment homes in close proximity, has been used as an example in many publications and within the larger community.

GlobeSt.com: Are there plans for Irvine to take the concept elsewhere?

Hedrick: We are continuously looking for new opportunities in coastal California markets.

Steady gains in the US economy have resulted in net positives for the multifamily sector—will this wave continue for the foreseeable future? What's driving development and capital flows? Join us at RealShare Apartments on October 19 & 20 for impactful information from the leaders in the National multifamily space. Learn more.

SANTA CLARA, CA—Along with Irvine Company's Silicon Valley/Northern California strategy, Todd Hedrick, regional vice president, opened up about the innovative Santa Clara Square. Life/work blending, Chinese leasing and innovative concepts are some of the nuggets he shared in this GlobeSt.com exclusive.

GlobeSt.com: Why did Santa Clara Square come about and how closely is it filling those needs?

Todd Hedrick: We have done extensive research into the needs and desires of forward-thinking companies and found that their employees blend their careers and life outside of work more than ever– and want experiences and amenities that simplify their employees' lives while elevating their business. At 100 acres, Santa Clara Square was designed to be the ultimate live, work, play experience, catering to those companies and their employees. The leases of tech giants Ericsson, Advanced Micro Devices and Cambridge Industries Group and the successful opening of Whole Foods and Santa Clara Square Marketplace illustrate Silicon Valley's excitement about Santa Clara Square's arrival as one of the region's most vibrant workplace communities.

GlobeSt.com: What surprised you most about the project?

Hedrick: One interesting recent development: We're seeing a lot of interest in Santa Clara from innovative Chinese companies looking to open US headquarters in Silicon Valley. Not as surprising is the broad interest we're seeing from technology and other industry-leading companies, as well as retailers and restaurants. We're thrilled to have renowned restaurants such as Fleming's, Il Fornaio and Puesto opening soon and are encouraged to see how our customers and prospects are using our signature amenities such as The Commons, an open-air gathering place featuring an outdoor living room with complimentary Wi-Fi and KINETIC, which blends state-of-the-art fitness with wellness services.

GlobeSt.com: What space is still to be filled?

Hedrick: Currently, three buildings are complete and five are under construction. Ericsson occupies two of the completed buildings, AMD will move next year into one that's under construction and CIG has leased part of another building that's also under construction. The new 220,000-square-foot buildings, which will feature sleek, modern architecture, floor-to-ceiling glass for superior natural light and efficient floor plans for maximum flexibility, will be completed between the end of this year and the middle of 2017.

GlobeSt.com: Have you seen examples of this kind of project spring up in other areas, using Santa Clara Square as an inspiration?

Hedrick: The uniqueness of Santa Clara Square—a large-scale, master-planned, mixed-use community—and the influence it has had throughout Silicon Valley in putting office, retail and dining, and apartment homes in close proximity, has been used as an example in many publications and within the larger community.

GlobeSt.com: Are there plans for Irvine to take the concept elsewhere?

Hedrick: We are continuously looking for new opportunities in coastal California markets.

Steady gains in the US economy have resulted in net positives for the multifamily sector—will this wave continue for the foreseeable future? What's driving development and capital flows? Join us at RealShare Apartments on October 19 & 20 for impactful information from the leaders in the National multifamily space. Learn more.