The firm has begun site work for the second phase of the project, which will include the construction of Dancer Drive, installation of underground utilities and trenching of a detention pond. The cost of the infrastructure work will be approximately $1 million, Podolsky says. The second phase has six lots with construction of build-to-suit facilities expected to begin by the end of this year or early next year. The park is expected to be completed in two to five years, he says.

The developer acquired the site more than a decade ago, Podolsky says. "We chose that location, first of all, almost 15 years ago," he says. "We envisioned a four-way interchange at Orchard Road, which there now is, and a burgeoning community with a lot of growing residential." Aurora is now "striving to be the second largest city" in the state, he says. The park is expected to have more "higher end" uses than the "typical industrial park with big-box buildings."

Construction has also begun on Candlewood Suites on a nearly 2.2-acre parcel. The 14,000-sf hotel will have 83 suites and will be the first location of a new design prototype for Candlewood Suites. The hotel is expected to open in February 2009. Provena Mercy Medical Center Health and Wellness Club already occupies a 61,300-sf building in the park, Podolsky says.