Tempe mayor Mark Mitchell says development of The Grand at Papago Park Center further adds to the positive momentum of Tempe's economy. “This is a boon to Tempe. The Grand will have impressive spaces rivaled by few in the region,” he says. “I am excited the site will feature pedestrian and bike paths connected to Tempe Town Lake that will be enjoyed by employees and the public.”

LPC is rolling out plans this month for its first office buildings. At build-out, The Grand will have a total of 1.8 million square feet of Class A space in six buildings. Construction on three parking garages will coincide with the buildings' development.

“Being selected for this project evokes a sense of history, partnership and environmental stewardship,” says Lincoln Property Company's executive vice president David Krumwiede. “We are extremely excited to work with Papago Park Center and to have the opportunity to pay tribute to the historic Grand Canal as the focal point of the development. We also recognize the all-time high demand for Tempe's live-work-play environment, and believe now is an ideal time to build something very unique and lasting.”

The Grand is being developed through Planned Area Development zoning and offers superior visibility, with approximately one-half mile of freeway frontage and two freeway off-ramps on Loop 202, just across from Tempe Town Lake. With two light rail stops serving the property, the site serves as the first stop on the light rail or by car coming out of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and has almost immediate access to Arizona State University and the Loop 202 Freeway. It is also minutes from Interstate 10, the Loop 101 and the 51 Freeway, offering easy access to all major Valley thoroughfares as well as executive and employee housing in Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler and Phoenix.

The project will include pedestrian-friendly multi-use paths along the Grand Canal and throughout the campus. Other nearby amenities include Papago Park, Papago Golf Course, Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Garden, Tempe Town Lake, Arizona State University, Phoenix Municipal Stadium and the restaurants, shopping and entertainment within downtown Tempe's Mill Avenue District.

“The Grand signifies the innovation and importance of the Grand Canal and the natural history of Papago Park,” says Nina Mullins, senior director of Papago Park Center, Inc. “It exemplifies the need to both further advance the economic vitality of our Valley and to protect the resources that sustain our more than four million residents.”

Jerry Roberts, Corey Hawley and Patrick Boyle with CBRE will lead the marketing and leasing efforts for The Grand's office development. HKS Architects/Kendle Design Collaborative both serve as the office project architects and JEDunn will serve as the general contractor.