Industry News

Amgen, based in Thousand Oaks, Calif., is considering locations in Research Triangle Park for a new $500-million, 250,000-sf facility. The project would include at least 250,000 sf for biological manufacturing, clinical, and development operations. The biotech company is expanding at its other locations as well. A 92,000-sf research center opened in Cambridge, Mass., late last year; two drug R&D buildings and a parking garage are being added in Thousand Oaks; and the company plans to expand manufacturing at its 232-acre site in Longmont, Colo.

Lockheed-Martin plans to occupy at least two buildings at a new four-building office park under construction in Mount Laurel. The developer of the 400,000-sf complex is Whitesell Construction Co. Inc. of Delran, Penn.

Drexel University’s Bennett S. LeBow College of Business is expanding with the new Leonard Pearlstein Business Learning Center, now under construction. When it opens in fall of 2002, the $15-million structure will connect to LeBow’s main building, and will accommodate seminar rooms designed like boardrooms, offices, computer labs, and study rooms. Architect for the project is Philip Johnson.

Clayton College & State University will initiate the second phase of construction on its Clayton Place student dormitory and apartment project in April 2002. Developed by Place Properties LLC, the 11-acre, seven-building, 116-unit expansion of Clayton Place adds 430 beds and is slated to open in 2003. The first phase included a three-story apartment complex housing one- and two-bedroom apartments with student activity centers, exercise facilities, swimming pools, and game rooms.

Suntory Water Group of Atlanta is consolidating regional call centers with a move to the planned Tanners Creek project in Flowery Branch, Ga. Suntory will be occupying 20,000 sf of the 2,000,000-sf, 150-acre mixed-use development which features fiber-optic cable technology and includes office, hotel, retail, and restaurant facilities.