U.S. Commercial Developments Prepared for Economic Turnaround

June 02, 2009 - With a recession-induced freeze still affecting most commercial development, some U.S. projects are moving forward and staying on target. Seattle-based architecture and design firm Callison announces four on-track U.S. projects with completion dates ranging from 2009-2012.

“By not placing these projects on hold or scrapping them altogether, these developments will be on the upswing of the economic turnaround when it happens,” said Callison Chairman Bob Tindall. “These developers will be in front of the curve instead of scrambling to get projects rolling and back on schedule – they will benefit in the long run.”

THE BRAVERN – BELLEVUE, WASHINGTON
Located 15 minutes east of Seattle in the rapidly expanding city of Bellevue, The Bravern is a 1.6 million square foot development scheduled to open by end of year 2009. Developed by Schnitzer West, the mixed-use complex features two office towers and an upscale retail village along with two residential towers. Both office buildings have been completed and occupied by Microsoft; retailers such as Neiman Marcus and Jimmy Choo have signed leases. Callison services include master planning, architectural design, brand experience, graphic design, interior design and tenant planning. The city of Bellevue was recently named #1 in CNNMoney’s list of best places to live and launch a business.

CITY CREEK CENTER – SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
Developed by the Mormon Church, City Creek Center is Callison’s largest domestic project. Upon completion in 2012, the center will span two city blocks in the heart of Salt Lake City. Located across from Temple Square, City Creek Center will integrate retail, residences, high-rise office towers and an existing hotel to provide a vibrant downtown hub. Situated on 20-acres, the 820,000 square feet of retail and six acres of open landscaped space will create a fully integrated urban environment. The pedestrian walkways, fountains and streams will follow historic downtown routes. The 800-foot long concourse features a retractable roof that will reduce energy consumption and allow for natural ventilation and encourage community interaction.

CITYSCAPE – PHOENIX, ARIZONA
Part of a major redevelopment renaissance in downtown Phoenix, CityScape will be the first truly integrated urban destination for the Phoenix community blending residential, office and entertainment in the popular Copper Square district. Two high-rise towers include a mix of retail and restaurants, high-end residential and office space creating a new hub of activity. Developed by RED Development, the 2.5 million square foot project includes a redesigned city park to increase open public space. The 28-story office tower has reached floor 22 and is more than 50 percent pre-leased. Cityscape is scheduled for completion in 2011.

VULCAN (AMAZON.COM NEW HEADQUARTERS) – SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
Designed to combine state-of-the-art sustainability with historic warehouse character, Amazon.com’s new headquarters reflects its innovative approach to online retailing. Callison is designing three of 11 buildings which will comprise the Amazon campus in Seattle’s burgeoning South Lake Union neighborhood. The design is a modern interpretation of Seattle’s history and will be centered around a 94 year-old two-story brick warehouse designated a historical landmark by the City of Seattle. The mid-rise office buildings, all designed to LEED Gold standards, will consolidate scattered staff onto one campus to foster collaboration and improve efficiency for the Fortune 500 Company. The new headquarters is currently under construction with a target completion date of 2011.