The University of Arizona is considering what to do with approximately 900 acres it owns in Maricopa, and a university research park is among the contenders.
In a recent presentation at the Maricopa City Council, UArizona Director of Growth Initiatives Malcolm Green reported the university had conducted a feasibility study to identify the best use for bringing in “academic and technological upgrades” for the area.
The different uses for the property near UA’s Maricopa Agricultural Center include 300 acres for a research park and developing the remaining 600 as an “Area of Innovation.” Development on those 600 acres could include:
- Apartments and student housing,
- A town center,
- Commercial development,
- Agricultural research,
- A tech park, and/or
- A UA satellite campus.
Preliminary estimates predict a potential $95B economic impact over 15 years if and when the target area is developed as an economic hub.
The University plans to work with stakeholders over the next several months, acquire funding and secure agreements with developers and tenants. (Source)
