SkySong opens building

 by Allison Denny
 published on Friday, March 28, 2008

ASU at SkySong drew closer to completion Thursday as officials gathered in Scottsdale for the grand opening of the project's first building.

The collaboration between the ASU Foundation, the city of Scottsdale and developers is set to become a global technology hub at Scottsdale and McDowell roads, according to a SkySong press release.

Officials also announced nine agreements with businesses and five universities.

The center now has partnerships with 20 companies from 11 countries, including Ireland, China, India and Japan.

In a statement released Monday, ASU President Michael Crow said SkySong is destined to become an important economic force in Arizona and the Southwest.

"This innovation hub is a way to unite the resources at ASU with the needs of the city of Scottsdale," he said.

Construction on SkySong started in 2004.

The newly opened 157,000 square-foot building houses more than 10 ASU units, including the Edson Student Entrepreneur Initiative, according to SkySong's Web site.

The SkySong project is set for completion before 2015.

It is designed to fill 1.2 million square feet, with high-tech commercial offices, and research and retail space, according to the release.

A second building scheduled for completion in mid to late summer.

Reach the reporter at: allison.denny@asu.edu.