The Lotus Project, a 53-acre mixed-use employment park anticipated to break ground in mid-August, is projected to provide between 1,500 and 2,500 jobs once completed, according to Michael Winer, Economic Development Specialist for Chandler.
The number of jobs the development could accommodate is dependent upon the intensity of the spaces occupying it. The developer, Conor Commercial Real Estate, will complete the project in two phases, the first phase being industrial. “With industrial, there are various uses, anywhere from very low intensity, like storage, to where there wouldn’t be much employment, all the way up to advanced manufacturing, where there would be quite a bit of employment,” said Sven Tustin, senior vice president of Conor Commercial Real Estate.
Since Intel’s investment in its Chandler location, many companies have located to Chandler in order to service the semiconductor giant; Tustin said phase one’s industrial buildings could be home to one of their various vendors or manufacturers. Another high target for the developer is the autonomous vehicle industry, which has chosen Chandler and Gilbert as key areas to test and revolutionize their vehicles. According to Tustin, aerospace is also an option to occupy the industrial buildings.
The second phase will either be a continuation of phase one, or office use, with office bringing the most potential for employment. Tustin said the developer is pushing for advanced manufacturing office use, adding, “One of the reasons we located here is because Chandler, and the southeast valley in general, is known for the depth of skilled labor, so that’s really what we’re targeting with this project.” Options for office tenants include technology companies, as well as financial services.
“The City anticipates Lotus Project will have a positive economic impact on Chandler, attracting businesses that enhance the City’s employer base and that provide jobs to our residents,” said Winer. Tustin said they are completing the construction drawings for Phase 1, which will be submitted to the city in the next couple weeks. They’re expected to break ground on the project in the middle of August and begin actual building construction six weeks after.
