Inside Iowa State

July 23, 2009

Photo by Bob Elbert.

ISU Research Park adds on

by Erin Rosacker

The ISU Research Park added another building to its 230-acre development this spring, giving the complex the ninth building in its south Ames location.

"We still need to finish the interior shell, but are in negotiations with multiple prospects," said Alison Doyle, marketing manager for the park. "As soon as the space is leased, interior construction and buildout will begin. The length of time for construction will depend on the complexity of the interior design, need for lab equipment, etc."

Approved for construction last August, the 26,000-square foot of space is the first phase of a 52,000-square foot building. The remainder will be built when the current space is leased and more space is needed -- possibly by the end of the year, Doyle said. The first phase was completed in June for about $2.5 million.

The building has space for multiple tenants and features laboratory space for technology-based start-up businesses and concepts affiliated with ISU research. The amount of room each tenant needs will determine the number of companies that will occupy the building.

Right now, more than 40 companies and 17 campus organizations -- including Boehringer Ingelheim, New Link Genetics and the Institute for Transportation -- are located in the research park. The new building is located on the south side of Airport Road, at the east end of South Loop Drive.

"One of the biggest advantages of locating in the park is the connection with the university," Doyle said. "We also like to promote to our tenants and potential tenants that we are very willing to work with our companies on our lease agreements, such that our tenants can grow their space with their company growth. This is somewhat atypical, and has allowed many of our current tenants to grow in a way that they would not otherwise have been able to afford."

"One of the biggest advantages of locating in the park is the connection with the university."

Alison Doyle, ISU Research Park marketing manager