Park Central Welcomes ‘Parker’ The Robot to Project’s Security Team
PHOENIX (April 26, 2021) – Visitors to Park Central in Phoenix may see a new member of the project’s security team in the coming weeks — one that looks straight out of a science-fiction movie.
But ‘Parker’ — the new security robot at Park Central — is no fictional character. He’ll provide the project’s security company, Transcend Security Solutions, with one more set of “eyes” cruising around the property.
At a project where the past is meeting the future, Parker’s presence will make the robot one of the few security robots in the Valley, and spotlight the commitment to innovation and technology that Park Central is becoming known for.
Parker is actually a Knightscope K5 autonomous outdoor security robot which runs 24/7 on its own including autonomously recharging itself without any human intervention. The 398-pound, 5-foot-2 ½ tall machine boasts a maximum speed of 3 miles per hour, but unlike his more famous movie counterpart, this RoboCop is designed for surveillance, not action.
Sharon Harper, Chairman and CEO of Plaza Companies, one of the co-developers of Park Central, said that after a two-month training period, Parker is ready to hit the streets and sidewalks of Park Central.
“Parker is a fun addition to Park Central, but with a serious purpose,” Harper said. “We are always looking for ways to innovate at our properties, and that includes making sure they are as safe and secure as possible. Parker will help us achieve that goal by providing a modern, automated resource to augment our security team.”
Plaza Companies and Tucson’s Holualoa Companies have teamed up to redevelop Park Central into a vibrant destination, which once was the city’s first official large-scale shopping mall. The companies have transitioned the expansive space from a retail center to an almost 500,000-square-foot bustling community hub ideal for playing, working, congregating and celebrating the arts.
Stan Shafer, Chief Operating Officer for Holualoa Companies, said the addition of Parker shows how committed the project team is to the use of state-of-the-art technology.
“Park Central is home to innovative companies that are making the most of technology,” he said. “Parker represents the vision we have for the property and the exceptional environment we’re working to create at Park Central for people to live, work, play, learn and enjoy the arts. We look forward to the contributions Parker will make to the project and the community as a whole.”
Parker finished his training in late April and begins autonomous patrols around the property on April 26. The data the robot collects is fed through the internet to on-site security, which monitors what the robot is seeing through desktop, tablet or mobile devices and can intervene when needed.
The new Park Central includes 450,000 square feet of Class A low-rise creative office space available for lease with the ability to accommodate tenants ranging from 3,500 square feet to more than 100,000 square feet in size. It features exclusive tenant patios, on-site restaurants and amenities, a stunning mid-century modern design, 15-25 foot ceilings, extensive bike paths and light rail access and ample parking. For more information on the project, visit www.parkcentralphoenix.com.
For office leasing, tenants and brokers can reach out to Andrew Cheney with Lee & Associates (602.954.3769) or Bill Cook with Plaza Companies (623.344.4526). For Retail leasing contacts are Brent Mallonee with Cushman and Wakefield (602.224.4437) or Margaret Lloyd with Plaza Companies (623.344.4558).
