LGE Design Build started construction on a new 12,000-square-foot office/retail building for Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Ride Company Inc. to accommodate the company’s expected growth during the next five years.

The new building, located at 715 E. Covey Ln. in Phoenix near the Phoenix Deer Valley Airport, is scheduled to be complete in early to mid-2017.

More than twice the size of the company’s current leased space, the new building will enable Rainbow Ryders to increase its Arizona flights from about 500 a year to 900 a year, serving up to 15,000 people. Rainbow Ryders, a 30-year-old company based in Albuquerque, takes guests on sunrise, sunset and private flights through the desert north of the Phoenix Deer Valley Airport.

“Phoenix’s weather, restaurants, shopping and tourism industry make it an ideal hot air balloon destination,” said Scott Appelman, president and CEO and pilot at Rainbow Ryders. “We began operating in Phoenix eight years ago, during the recession. Phoenix has always been very welcoming to us. We are proud to make this continued investment in Phoenix.”

Rainbow Ryders will launch an “Adventure Center” in the new building to connect guests with high-quality tourism experiences such as hiking, jeep tours and spa retreats through trusted partners. About 70 percent of Rainbow Ryders’ customers are tourists. Rainbow Ryders is a Trip Advisor Hall of Fame winner and the official ride operator of the popular Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

The building also will have space for guests to interact with the company’s 9 pilots and see the balloon baskets. A balloon port, call center, retail store and increased storage will be incorporated.

“LGE Design Build is excited to build a dynamic office/retail building that will enable Rainbow Ryders to continue to grow and will reflect the company’s fun spirit,” said David Sellers, LGE Design Build president. “We enjoy working with owner-users to help them realize the dream of owning their own building.”

LGE Design Group will serve as the architect.