Expanding Companies Look to Tempe for Pro Business

The Circuit is an adaptive re-use high-density office property.

TEMPE, AZ— Oscar , a New York-based health insurance company, selected Tempe for an operational expansion after a competitive process that included working with economic development representatives from the Greater Phoenix region, including the Greater Phoenix Economic Council , the city of Tempe and Arizona Commerce Authority . The region’s large, skilled workforce, high quality of life and pro-business climate were attractive draws for the company. “We continue to see robust activity in the technology sector and do not anticipate it slowing down in the near future,” said Ryan Bartos , managing director, Savills Studley . “Access to outstanding labor, affordable housing and competitive operating costs will continue to make it a top destination for expansion.” A vibrant urban oasis in Metropolitan Phoenix, Tempe exudes its own personality. Tempe hosts family-friendly festivals, welcomes outdoor activities and is the proud home of Arizona State University . Tempe cares about community, promotes an active lifestyle and emphasizes a laid-back atmosphere. “Over the past four years, nearly 17,000 new jobs have been announced in Tempe,” said Tempe mayor Mark Mitchell . “We are a city where businesses know they can start, grow and thrive. I am excited to welcome Oscar to our community, as a great addition to our growing tech and insurance industry clusters.” Another factor in Oscar’s move was the creative office space found at The Circuit, EverWest Real Estate Partners ‘ newest adaptive re-use project near the Loop 101 and Loop 202 freeways. Built in 1982 as a semiconductor building, The Circuit is a 185,000-square-foot high-density office project. “This building offered a unique opportunity to build for a young, professional demographic and the employers who seek out and hire these employees. Oscar’s lease brings that vision full circle. It will be exciting to watch them use and grow in this space, and to continue the employment base that The Circuit is capable of providing for Arizona,” says Curt Kremer , managing principal, equity ventures, EverWest Real Estate Partners. The Circuit was designed for large office users looking to attract active professionals to a creative environment. Building features include a collaborative indoor-outdoor layout enhanced with 17-foot ceilings, 14-foot floor-to-ceiling windows and more than 60 skylights to maximize natural light. Amr Ceran , senior director, EverWest, tells GlobeSt.com: “Our focus at EverWest is to pull maximum value out of projects, and that is exactly what we have done here. This was a superior location that needed a strategic influx of capital and creativity. It will make a great home for Oscar and others.” Oscar’s new facility will house the Oscar Concierge team. The Oscar Concierge is a program which allows Oscar to deliver a more personal experience to educate and empower its members. “We’re excited to expand operations to Tempe, Arizona to continue to provide our members the highest quality of care,” said Oscar CEO Mario Schlosser . “With this year’s growth from 40,000 to 135,000 members across four states, Oscar is continuing to hire talented professionals to provide the best experience to our members.” Oscar is a new kind of health insurance company designed to put people first. Through a high-tech, data-driven approach, easy-to-understand language and a unique set of benefits, Oscar is drastically changing the way people think about and interact with their health insurance. “Oscar is a leading technology company whose innovative approach to health insurance delivery makes them a natural addition to Greater Phoenix’s growing entrepreneurial community,” said Chris Camacho , president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council. “Their entrance into the market reinforces what more and more businesses are discovering—that Greater Phoenix is an ideal place to go to scale.” Founded in 2012, Oscar makes health insurance simple, transparent and human, with plans also offered in New York, New Jersey, Texas and California. Sandra Watson , president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority added, “We are thrilled that Oscar Insurance will expand its operations in Arizona, joining our dynamic business-services sector. Oscar is an excellent example of the type of innovative company–at the intersection of technology, business and health care–that is thriving here, supported by our pro-business environment and talented workforce. We welcome Oscar to Arizona and thank them for their commitment to our state.”