Latest Edition of Report Points to Zoning for Greater Height

Keeley says by 2024, it is reasonable to expect the Airpark to have 10 buildings taller than the Spire.

SCOTTSDALE, AZ— The Greater Scottsdale Airpark 2030 report was first published in 1989 as the 2010 Report. Now, 27 years later, the report continues to provide a current and historical perspective on economic activity, growth and trends for the Greater Scottsdale Airpark. The most recent edition, the annual report for the year ending December 2015, is no exception. Having specialized in and tracked the Scottsdale Airpark submarket since 1981, report author Jim Keeley , founding partner of Colliers International ‘s Scottsdale office, is a leading commercial real estate expert who is often referred to as “Mr. Scottsdale Airpark,” a reflection of his expertise and first-hand knowledge of the market. “We are seeing steady improvement in the overall health of the Scottsdale Airpark,” said Keeley. “On a scale of one to 10, the Airpark ranked a solid 10 at its height in 2007, was at a three in 2011 and is a seven today. Although not the robust growth of pre-recession times, 2015 saw a definite upward trend, as reflected in increased sales volume and lower vacancies. We expect this trend to continue through 2016, due to the economics of supply and demand.” Vacancy continued its downward trend, dropping to an average of 11.6% from 13% in 2014. Land sales volume recorded a sharp rise in 2015, with 88.85 acres sold for a total of $94.8 million compared to 37.57 acres for $46.7 million in 2014. A dramatic increase was also reflected in building sales, with total sales volume almost doubling from $169.5 million in 2014 to $324.3 million in 2015. The average price per square foot for building sales rose by 40% for office, 9% for industrial and 14% for retail. A number of factors impact the Airpark. These “centers of influence” include fee simple land, higher-density and transit-oriented development, transportation, a mix of 130 different industries, growth in multifamily, major events, the active involvement of Bob Parsons ( Go Daddy founder) and 35 years of reporting by the Scottsdale Airpark News . “The Airpark is also transitioning into more mixed-use and transit-oriented development, with two prime examples being the Scottsdale Quarter and Kierland Commons ,” Keeley said. Another dynamic affecting the Airpark is the zoning allowance for greater height, paving the way for taller buildings of up to six to eight stories on 16 acres or more. “The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Spire , standing 125 feet, is one of Scottsdale’s most recognizable landmarks,” Keeley said. “By 2024, it is reasonable to expect the Airpark to have 10 buildings taller than the Spire.” In 2015, the Airpark consisted of 34.2 million square feet. The number of companies grew from 2,950 to 3,025, and the number of employees increased by 1,160 to 55,260. By comparison, in 1981, the Airpark consisted of 1.5 million square feet, 268 companies and 3,300 employees. Keeley tells GlobeSt.com: “We expect to see more height and density in new projects in the next couple of years. In addition, new office buildings designed for millennials are expected in the near future.”