More medical space coming to Anthem
by Kathleen Stinson

ANTHEM – A medical condominiums project under construction south of Anthem Way, east of Interstate 17, will add some much needed healthcare space to the community, according to the developer.

Venture Court Professional Plaza is the second of two Anthem projects for The Plaza Companies, a Peoria‑based owner/ developer of healthcare properties. The Plaza Companies also developed Anthem Medical Plaza at 3618‑3654 Anthem Way.

“Based on the success of Anthem Medical Plaza, we decided there was a demand for additional medical space in Anthem,” said Peter Spier, vice president of development for the company.

With the new office complex– located along the west side of Venture Drive, just east of I‑17– the developer plans to maximize exposure to the highway, attracting trade from both north‑ and southbound interstate traffic, as well as Anthem, he said.

Construction of  the plaza’s five buildings, totaling 59,000 square feet, is expected to be completed by the end of 2007.

The 7.5‑acre site will consist of four single‑story buildings and one two‑story. Architectural style will complement that found in the master‑planned community, said Spier. The buildings will be of masonry construction, with seamless steel roofs, nestled in a desert landscape.

The owner plans to offer the condominiums for sale or lease as predominantly medical space, but could include other professional offices, Spier related.

The project’s preliminary plat, which includes building, landscaping and parking plans, has been approved by the Maricopa County Planning Commission and is awaiting approval by the Board of Supervisors, according to Mathew Holm, principal planner for the county’s Planning and Development Department. No date has been set for the supervisors’ final decision on the project.

Commercial projects may break ground prior to final plat approval, but that approvalis needed  before the property is marketed.