The construction of the second phase of the 17 North Corporate Center in Phoenix, Arizona, has officially begun. This ambitious project will add two Class A industrial buildings, totaling over 186,000 square feet, to the city's thriving Deer Valley submarket. The development is strategically located near Interstate 17 and offers convenient access to major highways, residential areas, and prominent corporate neighbors. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025 and aims to attract advanced technology and manufacturing companies to the area.
This collaborative effort between Ryan Companies US and Standard Real Estate Investments, backed by Bankers Trust's financing, highlights the growing demand for top-tier industrial spaces in Phoenix. The center will feature modern amenities such as secure truck courts, ample parking, and retail options nearby. With its prime location and robust infrastructure, the 17 North Corporate Center is set to become a hub for innovation and business growth in the region.
The new industrial complex is situated in an area that is rapidly becoming a focal point for high-tech and manufacturing enterprises. Located in north Phoenix, the development benefits from proximity to key transportation routes and residential communities. This strategic positioning not only enhances logistics but also provides tenants with easy access to a skilled workforce and networking opportunities with other major corporations in the vicinity.
The Deer Valley submarket has seen a surge in interest from companies looking to capitalize on the region's advantages. The presence of notable firms like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), Amazon, FedEx, and Shock Therapy underscores the area's appeal. Tenants at the 17 North Corporate Center will enjoy unmatched convenience, including secure concrete truck courts, 32-inch clear heights, and ample parking space. These features are designed to support efficient operations and provide a competitive edge in the market. Additionally, the center's close proximity to popular shopping centers offers tenants convenient retail and dining options, enhancing the overall quality of life for employees.
The design of the 17 North Corporate Center prioritizes flexibility and functionality, catering to the evolving needs of today's businesses. Each building will boast state-of-the-art facilities that cater to the demands of advanced manufacturing and technology sectors. The project's developers have ensured that every aspect of the design promotes operational efficiency and tenant satisfaction.
Upon completion, the complex will offer secure concrete truck courts, 32-inch clear heights, and abundant parking, ensuring smooth logistics and day-to-day operations. The buildings' design also emphasizes sustainability and safety, incorporating modern materials and innovative construction techniques. Furthermore, the project's first phase, which included a 111,000-square-foot Class A industrial building, has already set a benchmark for excellence in the area. The Greater Phoenix Economic Council's president, Chris Camacho, praised the development for its potential to attract top-tier companies and support their growth plans in the region. The 17 North Corporate Center is poised to become a cornerstone of industrial innovation in Phoenix, offering businesses a prime location and world-class amenities.
The construction of the ArtawiGas25 gas processing facility in Iraq's Basra region, led by TotalEnergies and its partners, marks a significant step in reducing environmental impact and enhancing energy supply. With an investment of approximately $250 million, this facility aims to process previously flared gas from the Ratawi field. The project is part of a larger $10 billion initiative called the Gas Growth Integrated Project (GGIP), which seeks to improve Iraq's natural resource development and electricity generation. Once operational by year-end, ArtawiGas25 will supply local power plants, benefiting around 200,000 households in Basra.
The new gas processing plant represents a major advancement in sustainable energy practices within Iraq. Designed to handle 50 million cubic feet per day of associated gas that was once flared, the facility significantly reduces harmful emissions. This not only addresses environmental concerns but also maximizes the utilization of available resources. By supplying processed gas to local power plants, the plant will meet the energy demands of a substantial number of households, contributing to improved quality of life for residents.
The ArtawiGas25 facility is part of a broader strategy to enhance Iraq's energy infrastructure. It exemplifies how modern technology can be harnessed to address both environmental and economic challenges. The modular design of the plant allows for scalability, opening up possibilities for similar applications across other oilfields in Iraq. Moreover, the project is expected to create up to 160 jobs during construction and 30 permanent positions, providing economic benefits to the local community. Julien Pouget, senior vice president at TotalEnergies, highlighted the importance of this project in demonstrating the company's commitment to delivering rapid and effective solutions that align with Iraq's energy needs.
Beyond ArtawiGas25, the Gas Growth Integrated Project (GGIP) encompasses several key initiatives aimed at transforming Iraq's energy landscape. One of the main goals is to recover and utilize flared gas, which has been a significant source of waste and pollution. Additionally, the redevelopment of the Ratawi oil field and the establishment of a large solar farm are set to bolster renewable energy production. These projects collectively aim to provide more reliable and cleaner energy sources while reducing carbon emissions.
The first phase of GGIP includes the development of a large-scale gas processing plant capable of handling 300 million cubic feet per day of gas currently flared at three oilfields. This plant will support 1.5 gigawatts of electricity generation capacity, significantly enhancing Iraq's power supply. Furthermore, the upcoming construction of a 1-gigawatt solar project underscores the commitment to diversifying energy sources. TotalEnergies' involvement in these pioneering projects highlights its role in driving sustainable development and meeting the growing energy demands of Iraq. The successful implementation of GGIP promises to deliver tangible benefits to the Iraqi people, setting a benchmark for future energy initiatives in the region.
In the bustling city of Houston, a major infrastructure project is set to transform the Katy Freeway section of Interstate 10. Beginning Monday morning, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will initiate construction aimed at improving traffic flow and mitigating flood risks in the Heights area. The project involves reducing westbound lanes from five to three near Taylor Street and eliminating the Houston Avenue Bridge, which has been a frequent victim of truck collisions. Additionally, the road elevation adjustments will address recurrent flooding issues caused by heavy rainfall events.
In the vibrant autumn season, Houston residents are preparing for significant changes along the Katy Freeway as TxDOT embarks on an ambitious construction endeavor. Starting this Monday, the westbound lanes of I-10 will be narrowed from five to three lanes just before the Taylor Street exit. This reduction continues until the Heights Boulevard exit, where all five lanes resume. One of the most notable aspects of this project is the redesign of Houston Avenue, which will now pass under I-10 instead of over it. The existing bridge, notorious for being struck by oversized trucks multiple times each year, leading to lengthy traffic delays, will be dismantled.
The project also aims to tackle the chronic issue of road flooding in the region. Historically, during severe weather events like Hurricane Beryl, the White Oak Bayou has overflowed, submerging parts of I-10 under water. To prevent this, the main lanes of I-10 in the Heights area will be elevated, ensuring they remain above flood levels during storms. Moreover, the construction will temporarily affect the MKT Heights Hike and Bike Trail, with certain sections near Studemont Street closing from Monday until early February.
The work on the Houston Avenue underpass is scheduled to commence in mid-2025 and continue through late 2027. The entire project is expected to reach completion by the end of 2028, bringing long-term improvements to both traffic safety and flood resilience in the area.
From a journalist's perspective, this project marks a pivotal moment for Houston's transportation infrastructure. By addressing two persistent issues—traffic congestion and flood vulnerability—the I-10 White Oak Bayou project not only promises to enhance daily commutes but also demonstrates a proactive approach to urban planning and disaster preparedness. It underscores the importance of investing in sustainable infrastructure that can withstand the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions and growing urban populations.