Chandler Economic Development Update (10/5/2017)

CHANDLER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE : OCTOBER 5, 2017

Spec Office Building Breaks Ground in Chandler Airpark Area

A new development project known as The Stearman has broken ground in the Chandler Airpark Area. Located on 4.3 acres at the northeast corner of Ryan Road and Stearman Drive, the project consists of a two-story, 65,000-square-foot, multi-tenant office building. Designed to appeal to users desiring a creative and high-tech atmosphere, the building features include 10-foot finished ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glass and open workspaces that promote collaboration and innovation .

Cambridge Financial Services is the developer for the project. "We are excited to announce The Stearman, our latest investment in Chandler's Airpark Area," said Eric Pyles, Founding Partner. "The Stearman's highly desirable location will provide companies with unparalleled access to the talented and rapidly growing workforce available in the Southeast Valley."

The Stearman has an estimated delivery date of May 2018. Todd Noel and Ryan Timpani with Colliers International are handling leasing for the project.

Hotel Market Continues to Heat Up in Chandler

Chandler is currently experiencing a high level of investment activity from hotel owners looking to introduce first in market concepts and unique amenities catering to business travelers. The following hotels have opened within the past 15 months:

Element Chandler Fashion Center

A first in Arizona concept from the Marriott brand chain, Element emphasizes sustainable, eco-friendly practices

Home2 Suites by Hilton Phoenix Chandler
Another first in market hotel, Home2 Suites is designed for travelers looking for a fresh, new-stay experience

Drury Inn & Suites Phoenix Chandler Fashion Center

Features four meeting rooms totaling more than 3,000 SF of space, ideal for hosting business groups and events

TownePlace Suites Phoenix Chandler/Fashion Center

New Marriott brand hotel offering modern, apartment-inspired suites and a nightly beer and wine reception

Two additional hotels, Cambria Hotel & Suites and Residence Inn, are under construction and scheduled to open in 2018.

University of Arizona and Arizona Christian University Offer College Programs for Working Adults in Chandler

University of Arizona (UA) recently held its first Coding Boot Camp in Chandler at the Chandler Community Center. The 24-week, part-time program is designed for working adults and full-time college students interested in becoming full-stack web developers. In addition to coursework, the 45 students who graduated from the Chandler boot camp had access to career-planning services, including portfolio reviews, demo days, recruiting assistance and staff support. UA plans to offer two new boot camps in Chandler in 2018: a full-time Coding Boot Camp and a Data Analytics & Visualization Boot Camp.

Arizona Christian University (ACU) offers several degree completion programs with classes held in the evening and online. East Valley students can attend evening classes at The Grove Church, located at 2777 S. Gilbert Road in Chandler. Programs have multiple start dates per year and follow an accelerated format. Most students earn their degree in two to four years and ACU will accept prior education transfer and work experience credit. Visit arizonachristian.edu for more information.

Downtown Chandler Public Library to Host Boots to Business Reboot Program

On Monday, Oct. 16, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Downtown Chandler Public Library will host a free entrepreneurial education and training program called Boots to Business Reboot. O ffered by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the program is designed for veterans and their dependents who have already made the transition back to civilian life. Veterans of all eras and branches (including the National Guard and Reserves), as well as their spouses, are eligible to enroll for the workshop.

Participants will learn how to evaluate business concepts, the foundational knowledge required to develop a business plan, and information on SBA resources available to help access start-up capital and additional technical assistance. The point of contact for the Chandler workshop is Mark Liden, who can be reached at 480-782-2777 or [email protected].