Rising from the site of a demolished building in Central Phoenix is CIGNA Medical Group’s new facility, which officially broke ground in late 2011 at 3003 N. 3rd St. and within a five-mile radius of five major hospitals.

The new medical office building will replace CIGNA’s Clyde Wright Center, which opened in 1982. CIGNA Medical Group has 23 additional medical offices, three in Urgent Care Centers and two others with CMG CareToday convenience care clinics.

The new facility is a three-story, 93,500 SF building. Its central location makes is easily accessible to Downtown Phoenix, SkyHarbor International Airport, the light rail system and Phoenix’s major freeways. The location was chosen so that it is most convenient for CIGNA Medical Group customers.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, Edward Kim, president and general manager of CIGNA Medical Group, spoke about the project and its emphasis on sustainability measures. These measures may qualify it for LEED Silver or Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Former Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon also spoke at the ceremony and welcomed CIGNA to the neighborhood. The facility was built on land that has been idle since 2009 and was covered with debris. With the help of both Mayor Gordon and Councilman Tom Simplot, Clarius Partners LLC acquired the land out of bankruptcy in August 2011 and immediately began work.

Orcutt|Winslow is providing the design services; Kimley-Horn is providing the civil engineering design for the new development; and Layton Construction is the project’s general contractor.

The facility’s scheduled completion is set for 4Q 2012.

For more information regarding Clarius Partners, LLC, please visit www.clariuspartners.com.