Project’s Design Lends Itself to Healthier Offices, Open Areas for Tenants
PHOENIX (June 25, 2020) – What will the ideal office environment of the future look like after the COVID-19 crisis? A lot like Park Central.
The revitalized mixed-use development in central Phoenix already had a focus on health before the pandemic. It’s the home to several significant medical organizations and was designed to promote walkability, be bike-friendly and feature indoor-outdoor workspaces and open-air environments.
Now, as the economy evolves to address the increased importance of public health considerations, Park Central’s ownership is implementing even more measures to ensure it is one of the healthiest work environments in the Valley.
The project team is approaching the office environment with three key questions in mind — how can we filter and clean the air, how can we keep the work environment sanitized, and how can we reduce the amount of surfaces that can be touched?
The answers range from technological advancements to common sense. For cleaning the air, Plaza Companies — the co-developer and property manager of the project — has implemented a new air filter called Global Plasma Systems NPBI that actively destroys mold, bacteria and viruses in the air.
The company is also implementing new quartz countertops and surfaces that are designed to be anti-microbial while also being environmentally friendly, attractive and durable. It is also requiring the implementation in new spaces at Park Central of flooring that is also easy to clean and resists microbial growth. In restrooms, the project features touchless faucets, soap dispensers, towel dispensers and other features designed to limit personal contact with surfaces.
Combined with the project’s low-rise construction and other design features — which include high ceilings, open-air floor plans, indoor-outdoor work spaces with bay doors and more — the health features make Park Central an ideal location for companies looking to create a work environment focused on wellness.
Sharon Harper, Chairman and CEO of Plaza Companies, said the focus on health has been a part of the Park Central revitalization since Day 1.
“We have always wanted to make Park Central a place where people can enjoy a sense of wellness,” she said. “And now more than ever, as companies plan for the future, it will be critical to keep in mind the health needs of employees moving forward. We want to make the work environment at Park Central welcoming and safe.”
Stan Shafer, Chief Operating Officer for Holualoa Companies, said the project’s design — despite dating back to the 1950s — led directly to an approach that embraces wellness.
“We knew when we started the revitalization effort that Park Central had excellent ‘bones,’ with high ceilings, lots of light and opportunities for indoor-outdoor workspaces,” he said. “These features are now paramount to creating a healthy workplace, and we are fortunate to be able to offer such features to the companies that call Park Central home.”
Plaza Companies and Holualoa Companies are teaming up to redevelop Park Central, which once held court as the city’s first official large-scale shopping mall. The companies are transitioning the project to a bustling community hub ideal for playing, working, congregating, and celebrating the arts. The first 337,000 square feet of redeveloped office and retail is almost complete. Leasing activity for office and retail space is ongoing at the property and interest has been strong in the newly revitalized property.
The new Park Central includes 450,000 square feet of Class A 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 office leasing, tenants and brokers can reach out to Andrew Cheney with Lee & Associates (502.954.3769) 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).
